MASTER 
NEGATIVE 

NO.  95-8241 7 


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Author: 


U.S.  Congress.  House. 


Title: 


Report  of  the  Committee 
on  Coinage,  Weights... 

Place: 

Washington,  D.C. 

Date: 

1879 


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MASTER   NEGATIVE   * 


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U.  S.  .C9ngress.  -J32)ase.  Committee  on  coinage, 

weights,  and  measures. 

...  Report  of  the  Committee  on  coinage, 
weights,  and  measures.  Part  1.  On  the  adop- 
tion of  the  metric  system  of  weights  and  mea- 
sures, together  with  documents  and  statistics 
relating  to  the  subject.   Part  2.   On  metric 
coinage.  IWashington,  Govt,  print,  off.,  1879. 

218  p.   22^.   (46th  Cong.,  1st  sess.   House. 
Report  no.  14) 


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COINAGE,  WEIGHTS.   AND  MSASUREST 

REPORT.      46:1.      1879. 


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46th  Congress,  ) 
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No.  14. 


REPORT 


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THE    COlilMITTEE 


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COINAGE,  WEIGHTS,  MD  MEASURES. 


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P^RT     1. 

ON  THE  ADOPTION  OF  THE  METRIC  SYSTEM  OF 
WEIGHTS  AND  MEASURES, 


TOGETHER  WITH 


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DOCUMENTS   AND    STATISTICS    RELATING   TO   THE    SUBJECT. 


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ON  METRIC  COINAGE. 


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WASHINGTON: 

GOVERNMENT  PRINTING  OFFICE 

1879. 


PREFACE. 


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Ou  tlie  27th  day  of  May,  1878,  Hons.  Levi  Maisli,  H.  L.  Miildro^,  and 
E.  M.  Knapp,  of  the  Committee  of  the  House  on  Coinage,  Weights,  3  nd 
Measures,  were  appointed  by  the  chairman,  Mr.  Stephens,  a  sub-com- 
mittee t(i  t>*'^pare  a  report  of  the  committee  on  the  subject  of  the  met- 
ric system  of  weights  and  measures  and  the  propriety  of  its  adoption 
in  the  various  departments  of  the  government. 

The  time  for  the  preparation  of  this  report  was  short,  and  the  mem- 
bers of  this  sub-committee  being  otherwise  employed  ^vith  public  matters, 
the  chairman,  Mr.  Maish,  requested  the  undersigned  to  prepare  this  re- 
port during  the  recess  of  Congress.    This  was  done. 

The  plan,  as  well  as  substance  of  the  report,  was  left  to  me;  and, 
knowing  the  demand  of  members  of  Congress  as  well  as  others  for  a 
convenient  text-book  on  the  metric  system  of  weights  and  measures, 
I  determined  to  prepare  the  report  in  the  form  of  a  compendious  his- 
tory of  this  new  system  of  mathematical  science,  and  to  include  within 
it  a  series  of  arithmetical  rules  and  tables,  as  well  as  tables  of  compara- 
tive weights  and  measures  of  both  the  old  and  the  new  systems,  as  a 
convenient  work  of  reference  to  government  officials  and  employees  in 
those  departments  wherein  it  might  be  desirable  to  adopt  the  metric 
system  of  weights  and  measures,  in  part  or  in  whole,  in  the  transaction 
of  their  business. 

But  the  time  allotted  was  not  sufficient  to  enable  me  to  prepare  the 
report  with  that  care  which  the  nature  and  importance  of  the  work  de- 
manded ;  hence  the  errors  and  omissions  which  were  the  consequence 
of  this  haste,  rendering  a  reprint  of  the  report  desirable. 

The  demand  for  copies  of  the  work  has  been  unprecedented,  exhausting 
the  first  edition  within  thirty  days  from  its  publication.  To  supply  this 
demand  this  second  edition  is  now  placed  before  the  committee,  having 
been  thoroughly  revised  and  rearranged  by  Hon.  Levi  Maish,  former 
chairman  of  the  sub-committee,  and  myself.  Still  the  work  is  far  from 
being  what  we  could  desire  or  what  is  demanded  by  the  public.  We 
could  not  materially  enlarge  the  work  without  an  increase  of  its  cost, 
nor  lessen  it  without  detracting  from  its  usefulness.  Economy,  there- 
fore, as  well  as  usefulness,  has  been  our  purpose  in  preparing  this  second 

edition  of  the  report. 

C.  P.  CULVER, 

Cleric  to  the  Committee  on  Coinage^  Weights^  and  Measures, 


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ERRATA. 

Pages  11,  28,  31,  32,  ''ymmme^'  should  l>e  spelt  gram. 

Page  11,  foot-note,  instead  of  "p.  46"  see  p.  51. 

Pages  12,  19,  24,  31,  *'  kilogramme  "  should  be  spelt  kilogram. 

Page  30,  line  7  from  top,  before  ''  number  "  iusert  signifying,  in  place  of  "  snigifying '  . 

Page  32,  line  5  from  top,  for  10  and  12  read  14  and  15 ;  line  23,  for  p.  8  read  ]».  12. 

Page  35,  line  14  from  bottom,  for  28  read  p.  32. 

Page  154.     This  table  is  a  reprint,  by  oversight  of  author. 

Pages  177,  185,  186,  in  foot-note,  for  '*95"  read  p.  191. 


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METRIC  SYSTEM. 


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June  11,  1879.-Read  twice,  recommitted  to  the  Committee  on  Coinage,  Weights,  and 

Measures,  and  ordered  to  be  printed. 


Mr  Stephens,  from  the  Committee  on  Coinage,  Weights,  and  Measures, 

submitted  the  foUowing 

EEPORT: 

The  Committee  on  Coinage,  Weights,  and  Measures  ^^^^^^^^^^^^^ 
dersigned  to  submit  the  following  report  to  the  House  and  ask  that  it  be 
printed,  recommitted,  and  that  10,000  extra  copies  be  printed. 
^C  report  consists  of  two  parts!    The  first  treats  of  ^^^  f  1^*^^^,^^^^^^ 
adoption  of  the  metric  system  of  weights  and  J^^^^,  f  Jf  ^^^^^^ 
States  with  documents  and  statistics  relating  to  that  subject,  whicn  is 
•  JSntiaU^^^^^^  report  made  by  Mr.  Maish,  of  the  same  com^^^^^     at 
fho  third  fspssion  Fortv-Fiftli  Congress,  designated  as  H.  Itep.  JSO.  fw. 

iSlTrnPtanFtSrapliicIl  en^jrs  ll  that  are  corrected  m  to, 
and  thf  subiect-matters  somewhat  differently  arranged,  and  some  addi- 
fk^ns  have  aSen  made  by  Mr.  Maish.  The  House  at  the  last  session 
prsld'^reJZtioSlorizfngthe  printing  of  a  n^^^^^ 

of  that  report;  but  the  resolution  was  not  acted  «"  "^f'f^X  aji^ta- 
The  second  part  of  the  report  now  presented  relates  to  the  adapta- 
tion of  the  metric  system  to  our  coinage.  •«.  „„K«,Hf<»,l 
With  this  brief  explanation  ^^l^-^^^^^-^^^^^^f^"^' 
€hairma7i  CommiUee  on  Coinage,  Weights,  and  Mea&ures, 


92843 


CONTENTS. 


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PAKT  1. 

P»ge. 

9 

Chatter  r»  »•••  •»»■••  ••-•-•  «•••«•  »»•»••  •••-••  .•-•-•  ••-•••  ••••• 

Report  of  the  Committee  on  Coinage,  Weights,  and  Measures.  ^ 

^^^L^ag^oftL*  President  Vf  the  States  transmitting  a  report  of  a 
metric  convention  between  the  United  States  and  certain  foreign  gov- 
ernments.          67 

Responses  of  executive  departments  to  resolution  of  the  House  of  Repre- 
sentatives  asking  for  information  upon  the  subject  of  the  metric  sys- 
tern.  J23 

f  HAPTER  IV       ••  ••••"•  -•--••  •-"•  ••••  ••••••  •••"••    •»••• 

Correspondence  of  State  Department  in  relation  to  the  metric  system.  ^^      ^^^ 

^''^''^Co  JmunicatYonsr^^^^  'i^emeUic'sjstem  of  weights  and 

measures  for  medical  and  pharmacal  purposes. 

PART  2. 

205 

Metric  coinage,  report  of  Committee - 


> 


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P^RT    1 


REPORT 


OF  THE 


>     COMMITTEE  ON  COINAGE,  WEIGHTS,  AND  MEASURES 


y 


BY 


Mr.  Maish,  3d  Session  45th  Congress. 


P^RT  1. 


i    I    > 


i  I  y 


CHAPTER   1. 

Mr.  Maish.  from  the  Committee  on  Coinage,  Weights,  and  Measures, 
made  the  following  report  at  third  session  Forty-fifth  Congress  (to  ac- 
company bill  H.  R.  2877) : 

The  Committee  on  Coinage,  Weights,  and  Measures,  t«  whom  were 
referred  the  several  House  bills  and  joint  resolutions  on  the  subject  of 
the  metric  system  of  weights  and  measures,  beg  leave  to  submit — 

1st.  That,  in  view  of  the  very  general  conviction  of  the  need  of  a 
change  arising  out  of  the  inconveniences  of  the  old  system  in  our  inter- 
national business  transactions  and  the  adequacy  of  the  new  or  metric 
system,  and  in  order  to  a  clear  understanding  of  the  latter,  we  have 
thought  it  proper,  as  well  as  instructive,  to  present  a  condensed  history 
of  the  metric  system,  including  tables  of  comparison  of  both  the  old  and 
the  new  systems  of  weights  and  measures. 

There  is  no  subject  in  which  the  general  business  interests  of  all 
countries,  as  well  as  progress  in  science  in  all  its  departments,  are  more 
deeply  involved  than  in  this.  Hence,  it  is  a  subject  which  has  Occupieil 
the  attention  of  the  most  abstruse  thinkers  and  the  ablest  lawgivers  in 
all  ages,  and  in  all  lands  and  climes. 

The  establishment  of  a  system  of  weights  and  measures  belongs  not 
merely  to  the  domain  of  mechanical  science,  but  enters  as  well  into  the 
higher  science  of  metaphvsics  and  the  generalization  of  history.  Hence 
scientists  have,  after  the  lapse  of  centuries  of  toil  and  perseverance, 
been  able  to  attain  a  near  approximation  to  a  correct  and  exact  stand- 
ard of  Aveights  and  measures. 

How  we  possess  and  employ  the  abstract  idea  of  size  and  weighty 
whence  it  is  that  this  primitive  conception  has  come  to  be  applied  with 
comparativelv  such  identity  in  the  successive  generations  that  have 
peopled  our  globe,  and  in  what  manner  both  the  idea  and  its  applica- 
tion have  been  harmonized  with  our  physical  perceptions,  are,  for  the 
most  part,  topics  of  <leep  interest  to  those  who  busy  themselves  with 
investigations  upon  the  intellectual  and  moral  constitution  of  our  race. 
While  of  daily  reference  and  use  in  individual  and  commercial  transac- 
tions, the  weigMs  and  measureH  of  nations  serve  the  philosophical  his- 
torian, when  he  has  examined  and  compared  the  derivations  and  com- 
binations  in  the  respective  systems,  the  character  of  their  units,  the 
adaptation  of  them  to  common  use  and  the  means  employed  for  their 
exemplification  and  perpetuation,  as  so  many  indications  of  the  state  of 
human  society  in  the  respective  places,  states,  and  nations,  as  well  as 
periods,  noting  the  march  and  progxess,  as  well  as  triumphs,  of  civili- 
yatiou 

The  first  essential  thing  for  the  ci\ilized  world  to  establish  at  this 
time,  then,  is  a  fixed  and  determined  unit  of  International  linear  meas- 
urement. «..,.,        .  ^    « 

"Ko  cause  since  the  earliest  organization  of  civilized  society,'' says 
Professor  Barnard,  "  has  contributed  more  largely  to  embarrass  busi- 


i 


10 


METRIC    SYSTEM. 


ness  transact ioihs  among  men,  especially  by  interfering?  with  the  facility  of 
cAmmercirtl  exchanges  between  dili'erent  countries,  or  between  ditterent 
l)rovinces,  cities,  or  even  individual  citizens  of  the  same  country,  than 
the  endless  diversity  of  instnimentalities  employed  for  the  purpose  of 
determining  the  quantities  of  exchangeable  commodities.^^ 

In  the  days  of  the  patriarchs,  Moses  adopted  the  average  length  of 
the  forearm  of  man,  w  hich  he  styled  a  cubit.  This  was  his  unit  of  linear 
measurement  upon  which  his  system  Avas  based ;  but  this  was  far  from 
being  exact,  fixed,  and  certain. 

Pheidon,  of  Argos,  in  Greece,  nearly  a  thousand  years  before  the 
Christian  era,  gave  the  subject  his  profound  attention,  l3ut  arrived  at  no 
useful  result.  During  the  entire  period  of  the  Roman  Empire,  no  im- 
provement had  been  made  upon  the  system  established  by  Moses,  though 
but  few  of  the  nations  of  the  earth  adopted  his  system.  Their  units  of 
linear  measurement  were  upon  no  more  certain  and  fixed  a  principle 
than  the  digit  (the  average  length  of  the  finger),  the  palm,  the  foot,  oi 
the  stride. 

In  modern  England,  whence  our  system  (avoirdupois)  was  derived, 
the  average  of  giains  of  wheat  was  at  first  adopted  as  the  basis  of  a 
l>roper  standard  of  length.  This  was  in  the  reign  of  Henry  III,  in  1266. 
Afterward,  in  1324,  during  the  reign  of  Edward  II,  the  grains  of  barley 
were  substituted  for  those  of  wheat ;  hence  it  was  declared  that  ''•  three 
barleycorns,  round  and  drv,  shall  make  an  inch,  and  twelve  inches  a 
foot."' 

Tliis  is  the  basis  of  our  present  absurd  tables  upon  the  sulyect.  But 
the  indetiniteness  of  this  standard  is  apparent  to  all ;  for  how  much  of 
the  grain  is  to  be  taken  off  to  make  it  "round"  (or  plump  as  i>erhai)s  the 
meaning  is),  and  at  what  exact  stage  is  it  to  be  pronounced  "dry"f 

To  avoid  this  inconvenience  and  confusion  arising  from  this  cause, 
there  can  be  but  one  effectual  remedy  suggested,  and  that  is,  the  gen 
€ral  adoption  throughout  the  world  of  one  common  system  of  weights 
and  measures. 

Until  nearly  the  close  of  the  eighteenth  century,  nevertheless  [says  Professor  Bar- 
nard in  his  work  on  the  metric  system],  no  movement  appears  to  have  been  anywhere 
made  hmking  to  the  immediate  or  prospective  application  of  this  remedy. 

It  wiis  one  of  the  iirojects  entertained  by  the  Constituent  Assembly  of  France,  at  a 
time  when  the  revolution  had  not  yet  passed  from  the  sanguine  into  that  sanguinary 
phase  which  bnt  too  smin  succeeded,  to  engage  the  nations  of  Europe  in  a  united  ef- 
lort  to  create,  for  the  common  use  of  all,  a  new  metrological  system,  founded  ujmui 
standards  <letei mined  with  scientitic  accuracy,  and  constructed  in  its  details  according 
to  a  scientitic  method.  Nor,  amid  all  the  succeeding  excitements  attendant  on  the 
downfall  of  the  monarchy,  an<l  the  inanguratiou  of  the  republic  and  the  ''Terror,"  was 
this  imjmrtant  object  ever  lost  sight  of  by  the  men  who  held  successively  in  their 
hands  the  destiny  of  France.  And  though  the  ccuivulsions  which  for  many  successive 
years  during  that  stormy  period  agitated  the  continent  of  Europe  preventing  the  par- 
ticii>ation  of  all  the  nations  in  the  prosecution  of  this  great  and  beneficent  work,  still 
the  work  itself  was  ])rosecuted,  though  with  some  interrujdions,  to  a  satisfactory  com- 
pletion, and  the  result  is  seen  to-day  in  the  metric  system  of  weights  and  measures, 
a  system  which,  after  the  lapse  of  only  three-cumrters  of  a  century,  has  l)een  adopted 
for  use  1»y  more  than  half  [and,  we  will  add,  more  than  three-fifths]  the  inhabitants 
of  the  civilized  and  Christian  world. 

As  the  results  of  their  labor — the  establishment  of  a  unit  of  linear 
measure — they  agreed  to  take  tlie  one  ten-millionth  i^art  of  a  quadi-ant 
of  the  earth's  circumference  on  a  meridian  line,  wiiich  was  accurately 
measured,  as  was  supposed,  by  Messrs.  Delambre  and  Michain,  eminent 
scholars  and  mathematicians,  who  were  seven  years  in  comi)Ieting  this 
immense  labor. 

This  unit,  so  established,  was  styled  "  the  meter,^^  It  corresponds  with 
30.37  inches  in  our  present  English  system. 

It  was  further  agreed  to  make  the  unit  of  volume  equal  to  the  capacity 


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METRIC    SYSTEM. 


11 


of  a  cubical  vessel  measuring  one-tenth  of  a  meter  on  its  edges ;  and  the 
standard  of  weight  the  actual  weight  of  distilled  water  which  should  fill 
such  a  vessel  at  the  temperature  of  maximum  density.  The  weight  of  a 
given  volume  of  water  under  these  conditions  was,  therefore,  made  a 
subject  of  elaborate  investigation  by  a  committee  of  the  Academy  of 
Science,  and,  in  conformity  with  the  results  obtained,  the  standard  unit 
of  weight,  called  the  gramme,  was  fixed  at  one-thousandth  part  of  the 
standard  weight  above  mentioned,  which,  being  one  thousand  grammes 
in  weight,  is  called  the  kilogramme. 

But  subsequent  observation  and  surveys  have  created  some  doubt 
w^hether  the  prototype  of  the  International  Archives  is  really,  with  the 
most  minute  exactness,  as  it  purports  to  be,  one  ten -millionth  part  of  a 
terrestrial  meridian.  This  question,  after  all,  depends  upon  what  is  the 
true  figure  of  the  earth.  There  is  no  doubt  at  all  of  the  accuracy  of  the 
measurement  made  by  the  French  geodesists ;  but  they  measured  only 
about  ten  degrees  of  the  Paris  meridian,  and  from  this  measurement 
deduced  the  length  of  the  entire  quadrant  of  ninety  degrees,  by  calcu- 
lation on  the  supposition  that  the  earth  is  a  regular  spheroid,  having  an 
ellipticity  of  Fo«th.  The  investigations  of  General  T.  F.  de  Schubert,  of 
the  Russian  army,  and  Capt.  A.  R.  Clarke,  ot  the  British  Ordnance 
Survey,  have  made  it  probable  that  the  earth  is  an  ellipsoid  of  three 
unequal  axes,  rather  than  a  spheroid,  and  that  the  meridian  passing 
through  Paris  is  a  trifle  longer  than  the  French  computers  supposed. 
If  this  is  so — a  thing,  however,  which  must  be  yet  regarded  as  doubt- 
ful—the prototype  meter  of  the  archives  is  by  a  very  minute  fraction 
(hardly  more  than  one  two-hundredth  of  an  inch)  less  than  one  ten- 
millionth  of  the  Paris  meridian  quadrant.  On  the  other  hand,  it  is,  on 
the  same  supposition,  with  almost  mathematical  exactness,  the  one  ten- 
millionth  part  of  the  meridian  quadiant  passing  through  ^ew  York  City. 

These  dissensions,  and  the  desirability  of  settling  all  doubts  as  to  the 
stability  of  the  system  and  the  permanency  of  its  unit  basis,  as  well  as  of 
providing  authenticated  copies  of  the  prototype  standards  to  be  dis- 
tributed to  the  governments  of  all  metric  nations,  and  of  securing  such 
standards  against  the  danger  of  alteration  in  all  coming  time,  led  to  the 
assembling  at  Paris,  in  the  year  1870,  of  an  international  commission  to 
consider  and  adjust  all  questions  connected  w  ith  this  subject.*  In  this 
commission  thirty  independent  powers  were  represented.  Among  those 
was  that  of  the  United  States,  and  Prof.  Joseph  Henry  (since  deceasetl), 
of  the  Smithsonian  Institution,  and  our  present  able  commissioner, 
Prof.  J.  E.  Hilgard,  assistant  IJnited  States  Coast  Survey,  &c.,  wei-e 
designated  by  the  President  as  delegates  from  the  United  States  to  this 
convention  or  international  commission. 

The  deliberations  of  the  commission,  interrupted  by  the  war  of  that 
year  between  France  and  Germany,  were  subsequently  resumed  (24th  of 
September,  1872),  and  resulted  at  length  in  an  international  convention, 
l)roviding  for  the  maintenance  at  Paris  of  an  international  biueau  of 
weights  and  measures,  to  be  sui>ported  by  pro-rata  contributions  from 
all  the  signatory  pow  ers,  and  charged  with  the  care  of  the  prototji>e 
standards  and  with  the  duty  of  constructmg  and  verifying  copies  of 
those  standards,  not  only  for  the  powers  interested,  but  for  other  gov- 
ernments, or  even  for  corporations  and  individuals  who  should  apply  for 
them  and  should  be  w  illing  to  pay  the  expense  attending  their  construc- 
tion and  comparison.    This  convention  was  signed  in  May,  1875,  the 


'See  Prof.  J.  E.  Hilgard's  report  on  the  proposed  International  Bureau  of  Weights 
and  Measures  at  Pari>?,  p.  46,  No.  3. 


X. 


> 


12  METRIC   SYSTEM. 

diplomatic  representative  of  the  United  States,  Mr.  Washbarne,  by  con- 
sent  and  direction  of  the  President,  one  of  the  signers. 

It  was  resolved  by  this  commission  that  the  prototype  meter  and  pro- 
totype kilogramme  of  the  archives  should  be  recognized  and  perpetuated 
forever  as  the  tme  basis  of  the  system,  without  regard  to  any  doubtful 
questions  which  have  been  raised  as  to  the  exactness  of  their  correspond- 
ence with  their  theoretic  values.* 

Tables  of  the  metric  or  decimal  system  of  weights  and  measures, 

MONEY    (DECIMAL). 

10 mills  make »5.^"*- 

10  cents  make A^llw 

10  dimes  make a  dollar. 

10  dollars  make an  eagle. 

LENGTH   (METRIC). 

10  millimeters  make a  centimeter. 

10  centimeters  make ^  *^Tme  ^J* 

10  decimeters  make ,  if  ™!I!i* 

lOmetersmake a  dekameter. 

10  dekameters  make a  hectometer. 

10  hectometers  make ^  Kiiomeier. 

10  kilometers  make a  myriameter. 

WEIGHTS  (METRIC). 

lOmiUijjrarasmake.. a  centigram. 

10  centigrams  make a  decigram. 

10  decigrams  make a  dekaSam' 

10  grams  make adeKagram. 

10  dekagrams  make a  hectogram. 

10  hectcfgrams  make a  kilogram. 

10  kilograms  make a  mynagram. 

CAPACITY  ''metric). 

10  milliliters  make »  centi  iter. 

10  centiliters  make a  deciliter. 

10  deciliters  make ,   *  }"^^* 

lOliteremake ^^*^^^^^!^• 

10  dekaliters  make a  hectoliter. 

The  square  and  cube  measiures  are  nothing  more  than  the  squares  and 
cubes  of  the  measures  of  length,  to  which  we  will  refer  more  at  length 

A  person  has  only  to  familiarize  himself  with  the  foregoing  tables  to 
complete  his  nulimental  knowledge  of  the  whole  system.  A  boy  or  girl 
of  ten  years  of  age  may  master  the  metric  system  in  a  day;  while  years 
are  required,  in  most  cases,  to  gain  a  knowledge  of  the  inconsistencies 
and  incongruities  of  the  existing  system  of  weights  and  measures.  These 
are  all  done  away  with  bv  the  decimal  progression;  so  that,  in  fact,  the 
first  four  rules  of  arithmetic  are  all  the  student  requires.  Some  writer 
has  said  "that  the  adoption  of  the  metric  system  in  solving  mathemati- 
cal problems  in  our  public  and  private  schools  would  save  one  full  year's 
hard  studv  in  a  boy's  or  gu-l's  collegiate  course.''  If  this  be  tme— and 
there  is  no  reason  to  doubt— it  is  an  unanswerable  argument  in  favor  of 
the  adoption  of  this  system  in  our  public  schools,  and  that  at  once. 

But  apart  from  the*^  foregoing  reasons,  there  are  still  others  that  are 
wider  and  of  an  international  character,  which  address  themselves 
directly  to  the  judgment  and  understanding  of  our  American  statesmen 
at  this  time.  It  is,  at  once  to  secure  a  system  of  weights  and  measures 
that  shall  be  equally  suitable  to  the  use  of  aU  mankind  having  commer- 
cial intercourse. 

*  See  Prof.  F.  A.  P.  Baniard's  article  on  the  Metric  System,  Johnson's  Universal 
Cycioptedia,  vol.  iii,  pp.  452,  453. 

( 
1 


^  il  y- 


> 


^  I  > 


Y 


-( 


Y 


y 


> 


V 


> 


METRIC   SYSTEM. 


13 


Yoiir  committee  are  cf  opinion  tliat  sncU  a  common  system  is  offered 
in  tl?^,,Xi^i  acwrdin"  to  which  the  weight  and  dimensions  of  every 
•iSfhinlv' wh^JTer^oli^  liquid  o.  l-o-,  wh^- -^^^^ 
on  water  •  whether  in  the  earth  or  m  the  air ;  and  whethei  aetermiuea 
bv  The  scale  Plmmnet,  balance,  barometer,  or  thermometer,  are  ascer- 
SinSTv  a  me™  absolutely  uniform,  entirely  simple,  and  equally 
suitable  to  the  use  of  all  mankind,"  resting  ui)on  a  snigle  mvanable 
sSnl  of  toermeasure,  with  multiples  and  submultip  es  hke  those 
ofZr  American  monetar\-  system,  exclusively  decimal,  with  appro}  mte 
Imes^mErall  lan|^a^  aW  "^elf  secure  against  th^^^^^^^^^ 
nf  ohaiifre  or  loss  through  carelessness  or  accident  or  design,  Dj  oemg 
cLst?JJc?ed^^^^^^^^  principles  and  copied  for  distribution  among 

'X^ZTt^'^^tn^^^^^    that  this  new  or  metric  system  of 
wellLraMmeasures  is  Vapidly  gaining  gTOund  ^^^h^^^^^^^^^^^ 
Euiope,  as  one  after  another  of  the  most  enhghtened  nations  a^ake  to 
the  fidl  appreciation  of  its  immense  advantages. 

History  of  the  adoption  of  the  metric  system  in  the  United  States, 
On  the  28th  day  of  July,  1866,  Conirress  enacted  as  follows*  : 

It  shall  he  lawful  throughont  the  United  States  of  America  to  employ  the  weights 

the  weights  and  measures  of  the  metric  system. 

MEASUKES  OF  LENGTH. 


Metric  denominations  and  values. 


Equivalents  in  denominations  in  use. 


M%Tiameter      10, 000  meters. 

lEHr ■:::::::"::::-  '^^ZZl 

Decimeter::::::::: ^^JZlT 

Centimeter \*»**S!"«ltr 

Millimeter ^-^of  ameter. 


6. 2137  miles.  ^  ^  ,„ .     . 

0. 62137  mile,  or  3,280  feet  and  10  luchea. 
328  feet  and  1  inch. 
393.  7  inches. 
39. 37  inches. 

3. 937  inches. 

0. 3937  inch. 

0. 0394  inch. 


MEASURES  OF  CAPACITY. 


Metric  denominations  and  values. 


Names. 


Kiloliter,  or  stere . 

Hectoliter 

Dekaliter 

I.it«r 

Deciliter 

Centiliter 

Milliliter 


Number 
of  liters. 


1,000 

100 

10 

1 

riu 


Cubic  measure. 


1  cubic  meter 

xV  of  a  cubic  meter 

10  cubic  decimeters 

1  cubic  decimeter 

^  of  a  cubic  decimeter. 
10  cubic  centimeters  . . . 

1  cubic  centimeter 


Equivalents  in  denominations  in  use. 


Dry  measure. 


Liquor  or  wine 
measure. 


1. 308  cubic  vards 

2  bushels  aiid  3.35  pecks 

9. 08  quarts 

0.908  quart 

6. 1022  cubic  inches  . .  - 

0. 6102  cubic  inch 

0. 061  cubic  inch 


264. 17  galltms. 
26. 417  gallons. 
2.  6417  gallons. 
1. 0567  quarts. 
0. 845  gill. 
0. 338  fluid  ounce. 
0. 27  fluid  dram. 


♦See  sections  3569,  3570,  Revised  Statutes  of  the  United  States. 


14 


METRIC    SYSTEM. 


METRIC    SYSTEM. 


15 


MEASURES  OF  SURFACE. 


Metric  (lenominatioDs  and  values. 


Hectare 10, 000  square  meters. 

■^^^ 100  ^««|^lare  meters. 

Centare 1  square  meter. 


Equivalents  in  denomi- 
natiuns  in  use. 


2. 471  acres. 
119.  6  square  yards. 
1,  550  square  inches. 


WEIGHTS. 


Metric  denominations  and  values. 


Equivalents  in  denomi- 
nations in  use. 


Names. 

Xumlwrof 
grams. 

"Weight  of  what  quantity  of  water 
at  maximum  density. 

Avoirdupois  weight. 

Millier,  or  tonneau 

1, 000,  000 

100.000 

10,000 

1,000 

100 

10 

i 

Trta 
jifajf 

1  cubic  meter .. 

2204.  6  pounds. 
220. 46  jmuuds. 
22. 046  pounds. 
2. 2046  pounds. 

3  5^*^74.  ftTiTiPpft 

Quintal 

1  h«'et<»Htpr 

M  vriagram 

10  liters  .... 

Eilofn^am  or  kilo 

1  liter 

Hectojjrara 

1  deciliter 

Dekagram 

10  cubic  centimeters 

0  ^^27  oiiii4*e 

Gram 

1  eiibic  epTititiiptpr 

15  43*^  ^Taiiis 

Decigram 

,^  of  a  cubic  centimeter........... 

1.  .'>432  irraius. 

Centigram 

10  cubic  millimeters...... 

0. 1543  grain. 
0. 154  grain. 

Milligram 

1  cnbir  Tiiilliiiit»t^r 

Approved  July  28,  1866. 

Along  with  the  foregoing  a<it,  and  to  enable  the  several  States  to 
procure  the  metric  standards  of  weights  and  measures,  Congress  enacted 
the  following : 

JOINT  RESOLUTION  to  enable  the  Secretary  of  the  Treasure  to  furnish  to  each  State  one  set  of  the 

standard  weights  and  measures  of  the  metric  system. 

Be  it  resolved  by  the  Senate  and  Home  of  Representatives  of  the  United  States  of  America  in 
Congress  assemhhd,  That  the  Secretary  of  the  Treasury  be,  and  he  is  hereby,  authorized 
and  directed  to  furnish  to  each  State,  to  be  delivered  to  the  governor  thereof,  oue  set 
of  the  standard  weights  and  measures  of  the  metric  system  for  the  use  of  the  States 
respect  ivelv. 

Approved  July  27,  1866. 

In  pursuance  of  this  resolution,  the  following  description  and  explana- 
tions of  the  metric  standards  were  prepared : 

METRIC  STANDARDS  FOR  THE   STATES. 

1.  List  of  standards  to  be  furnished  to  the  States, 

Length :  Oue  meter,  end  measure. 

One  meter,  line  measure,  divi<led. 
Weight:  One  kilogram. 

One  demi-kilogram. 

One  gram,  with  subdivi.sion.s. 

One  myriagram,  or  ten  kilograms. 
Capacity :  One  liter. 

One  dekaliter. 

2.  rarticulars  of  meters. 

The  end  measure  is  of  cast  steel,  ten  millimeters  thick,  thirty  wide,  with  cylindrical 
ends,  and  small  cylindrical  projections  in  the  axes,  of  hardened  steel,  with  abutting 
faces  three  millimeters  in  diameter,  equal  to  one  meter,  legal  standard  of  France,  at 
the  temperature  of  melting  ice. 

The  divided  line  measure  is  of  brass,  composed  of  three  parts  (»f  coi>per  to  one  of 
zinc,  the  bar  extending  beyond  the  terminal  lines  ;  divided  into  decimeters,  one  de- 
cimeter into  centimeters,  and  one  centimeter  into  millimeters,  the  length  between 
the  terminal  lines  being  equal  to  one  meter  at  a  temperature  of  the  bar  of  about  68° 
Fahrenheit,  or  20^  centigrade,  and  each  bar  bears  an  inscription  stating  the  tempera- 
ture at  which  its  length  is  equal  to  one  meter.  Each  of  these  line  measiu-es  is  pro- 
vided with  a  convenient  tracing  frame  for  copying  the  division. 


y 


y 


< 


r 


y 


y 


y 


> 


> 


li.  Particulars  of  weiyhts. 

The  kilogram  is  of  brass,  of  an  ascertained  specific  gravity ;  it  is  equal  when 
weighed  in  a  vacuum  to  the  weight  of  the  French  platinum  standard  kilogram  in 
vacuum. 

Demi-kilogram,  gram,  and  fractions  to  miligram. 

Myriagram,  or  ten  kilograms. 

The  form  of  the  weights  is  similar  to  the  present  American  standard  weights,  so  as 
to  be  handled  with  hooks,  forks,  and  inncers,  which  are  provided. 

4.  Particulars  of  capacity  meanures. 

The  standard  liter  is  of  brass,  composed  of  fifteen  x)arts  of  the  brass  used  for  the 
meters  melted  together  with  twelve  parts  of  cop])er  and  one  part  of  tin ;  of  a  form 
similar  to  the  American  quart,  containing  a  volume  of  distilled  water  which,  when 
weighed  in  vacuum,  equals  the  weight  of  one  Frencli  standard  kilogram  in  vacuum, 
the  water  being  fit  the  temperature  of  its  greatest  density,  and  the  vessel  at  the  same 
temperature. 

The  dekaliter  contains  ten  liters,  as  thus  defined. 

III. 

DESCRIPTION   OF   METRIC   STANDARDS  FOR  THE   STATES. 

The  three  packing-boxes  contain  a  set  of  standard  metric  weights  and  measures, 
carefully  packed  in  walnut  cases. 

The  packing-box  marked  **  weight "  contains  a  myriagram,  kilogram,  demi-kilogram, 
gram,  aiul  the  decimal  fractions  of  a  gram  to  include  a  milligram. 

The  box  marked  ''volume"  contains  a  dekaliter  and  liter,  with  their  ground-glasH 
covere. 

The  box  marked  ''length"  contains  two  walnut  cases.  In  one  of  these  is  packed  a 
steel  meter,  with  hardened  steel  ends  protected  by  brass  caps;  this  is  an  end  measure. 
The  other  walnut  case  contains  a  brass  meter,  which  is  divided  into  decimeters,  centi- 
meters, and  millimeters,  and  is  a  line  measure. 

In  the  same  case  and  lying  parallel  with  the  brass  meter  is  a  bar  of  wood  of  the  same 
dimensions  as  the  meter,  held  firmly  in  its  place  by  means  of  wooden  wedges. 

This  is  so  placed  as  to  show  the  manner  in  which  a  bar  of  brass  of  the  same  dimen- 
sions can  be  secureil  for  the  purpose  of  having  transferred  upon  it  the  meter  aiul  its 
decimal  parts. 

A  tracer  is  iiacked  in  the  box  with  the  meter,  and  is  operated  in  the  following  man- 
ner: 

After  the  brass  bar,  on  which  it  is  desired  to  have  the  meter  and  its  parts  trans- 
ferred, is  well  secured  in  position  by  means  of  the  wooden  wedges,  the  tracer  is 
placed  upon  the  standard  bar  in  such  a  i>08ition  that  the  short  line  under  the  magni- 
fying-glass  shall  accord  with  a  line  on  the  standard  bar,  and  while  held  firmly  in  this 
position,  the  movable  portion  of  the  tracer  holding  the  cutter  is  passed  carefully  over 
the  brass  bar,  nuiking  a  mark  upon  it  at  right  angles  with  its  length.  The  tracer  is 
then  moved  so  as  to  accord  with  another  line  on  the  standard  bar  and  another  cut 
made  on  the  brass  bar.  This  operation  is  continued  until  a  complete  copy  of  the 
standard  is  transferred  to  the  brass  bar. 

By  the  side  of  the  cutter  is  a  long  steel  screw,  which  can  be  set  as  a  guide  to  deter- 
mine the  depth  of  the  cut  made  by  the  cutter. 

A  revolving  head  on  the  tracer,  with  two  notches  filed  in  it,  is  placed  there  for  the 
purpose  of  determining  the  length  of  the  line  cut.  A  steel  screw  in  the  movable  por- 
tion of  the  tracer  is  so  placed  as  to  strike  against  this  head  and  stop  the  motion  of  the 
cutter  in  that  direction,  and  it  will  be  readily  seen  that  three  difl:erent  lengths  of  lines 
may  be  made  by  moving  the  head  so  that  the  stop-screw  will  at  tlifferent  times  strike 
on  the  face  of  the  revolving  head  and  in  the  notches. 

Before  the  brass  bar  is  jnit  in  place  it  will  be  necessary  to  have  it  well  prepared 
with  a  smooth  smface,  having  lines  traced  on  it  in  the  direction  of  its  length,  similar 
to  those  on  the  standard. 

The  standard  bar  should  never  be  moved  from  its  place  in  the  case. 

The  weights  should  never  be  touched  with  the  naked  hand.  Lifters  are  placed  in 
the  cases. 

J.  E.  HILGARD, 
Inspector  United  States  Standard  Weights  and  Measures. 

United  States  Coast  Survey  Office, 

Washington,  March  1,  1876. 
Approved. 

C.  P.  PATTERSON, 

Superintendent  United  States  Standard  Weights  and  Meanures. 


16 


METRIC    SYSTEM. 


METRIC  system: 


17 


Accompanying  the  foregoing  bill  and  joint  resolution  was  the  follow- 
ing able  report,  submitted  by  the  Committee  on  Coinage,  Weights,  and 
Measures  of  the  House  of  Representatives: 

In  consideriug  the  general  snlrject  of  a  uniform  system  of  coinage,  weights,  and 
measures,  your  committee  have  had  before  them — 

First.  That  part  of  the  message  of  the  President  and  the  accompanying  documents 
relating  to  these  subjects. 

Second.  The  report  of  the  National  Academy  of  Sciences,  embracing  their  resolu- 
tions approving  the  metric  decimal  system  of  weights  and  measures. 

Third.  The  re^wrt  of  the  United  States  commissioner  to  the  statistical  congress  at 
Berlin. 

Fourth.  Various  memorials  of  universities  and  colleges  of  the  United  States,  urging 
a  uniform  system  of  weights  and  measures,  also  invariably  commending  the  metric 
decimal  system. 

Fifth,  the  i)etition  of  the  mayor,  judges,  and  citizens  of  Baltimore,  praying  for  the 
adoption  of  the  metric  system  of  weights  and  measures. 

Sixth.  Several  memorials  of  citizens  in  ditterent  parts  of  the  United  States  in  behalf 
of  the  same  object. 

Seventh.  The  bill  (H.  R.  2.52)  referred  to  them,  and  proposing  the  compulsory  and 
exclusive  use,  after  a  limited  i>erio<l,  of  the  metric  system. 

In  addition  to  the  documents  ancl  papers  referred  to  them,  and  in  the  absence  of 
authority  to  send  for  persons  and  papers,  which  they  tlid  not  regard  as  indispensable 
to  a  proper  investigation  of  the  subjects  at  this  time,  they  have  examined  the  whole 
history  of  the  effort*  made  in  this  country  since  the  adoption  of  the  Constitution  to 
substitute  for  our  imperfect  and  incongruous  system  of  weights  and  measures  a  system 
at  once  simple,  complete,  unifonn,  and  decimal  in  its  relations. 

The  result  of  that  examination  is  embodied  in  this  report.  They  have  also  carefully 
examined  the  testimony  taken  before  the  select  parliamentary  conmiittee  on  this  sub- 
ject in  England — testimony  very  complete,  and  almost  exhaustive  of  both  facts  and 
reasoning — touching  the  various  phases  of  the  questions  involved.  To  these  investiga- 
tions they  have  added  inquiries  into  the  public  action  of  other  countries  with  which 
we  have  established  commercial  relations,  on  l>oth  the  European  and  American  conti- 
nents. They  also  received  the  assistance  of  those  distinguished  members  of  the  iS  ational 
Academy  of  Sciences  who  constituted  the  special  committee  of  that  learned  society 
having  charge  of  these  subjects,  and  particularly  of  Professor  Newton,  of  that  com- 
mittee, whose  efforts  in  aid  of  their  puiiioses  have  been  patient  and  persevering. 

The  troubled  condition  of  the  United  States,  and  the  consequent  extraordinary  labors 
thrown  upon  the  Thirty-eighth  Congress,  prevented  your  committee  from  then  under- 
taking that  thorough  examination  which  the  importance  of  the  questions  demanded. 
They  now,  however,  submit  their  report  and  the  accompanying  V)ills,  as  indicating 
the  conclusions  to  which  they  have  unanimously  come  at  this  period  of  their  deliber- 
ations. They  do  not  doubt  that  a  subsequent  Congress  will  be  prepared  to  go  farther, 
and  will  enable  the  republic  to  lead,  rather  than  to  follow,  the  action  of  other  com- 
mercial and  intelligent  naiions  in  the  complete  establishment  of  this  most  urgently 
demandeil  reform.  It  is  an  obligation  we  owe  not  only  to  our  present  convenience, 
but  also  to  i)o«terity,  to  whose  benefit  all  sound  reforms  invariably  tend. 

COINAGE. 

In  respect  to  the  gold  and  silver  coins  of  the  United  States,  no  specific  change  can, 
with  propriety,  be  recommended  for  immediate  adoption. 

The  United  States  early  established  (July  tJ,  178,5)  the  decimal  system  in  its  applica- 
tion to  money,  and  as  a  consequence  of  it  liave  now  a  simple,  convenient,  and  admir- 
able measure  of  values.  It  only  remains  to  be  considered  how  a  common  standard  of 
international  values,  for  the  use  of  all  civilized  and  commercial  nations,  may  be  most 
conveniently  established. 

In  this  connection,  three  questions  arise : 

First.  Should  a  unit  entirely  new  be  established  ?  or, 

Second.  Should  the  established  unit  of  some  one  nation,  now  in  use,  be  adopted  by 
all  other  nations? 

Third.  If  sf>,  which  possesses  the  greatest  advantages? 

The  advantage  of  the  decimal  system  is  now  universally  conceded  among  commer- 
cial nations.  No  country  is  more  ready  to  concede  its  superiority  than  England,  which 
has  hitherto  failed  to  adopt  it.  It  is  understood  that  the  Bank  of  England,  and  some 
of  her  gi-eat  railroad  coqwrations,  have  been  com]»elled  to  adopt  the  decimal  system'' 
in  the  keeping  of  accounts.  The  government  has  also  created  a  new  coin  in  order  to 
obtain  the  tenth  of  a  pound. 

The  objections  to  the  creation  of  an  entirely  new  unit  of  value  are  evidently  irre- 
sistible, if  any  existing  unit  in  national  use  meets  the  Conditions  of  convenience  as  a 


i  I  y 


i  \  y 


<  I  > 


< 


> 


< 


common  standard,  and  of  decimal  computation ;  for  the  people  of  all  nations  will  be 
subject  to  the  inconvenience  of  the  adoption  of  the  wholly  new  system,  while  the 
adoption  of  a  decimal  system  now  in  use  in  any  one  or  more  nations  would  relieve  at 
least  a  portion  of  the  people  from  the  inconveniences  attending  the  change,  and  would 
find  the  people  of  all  nations  at  least  partially  acquainted  with  it  at  the  beginning. 
This  fact  itself  should  justify  some  sacrifice  of  national  amour  propre  for  the  general 
got)d. 

In  1856  (August  15),  Congress,  by  a  joint  resolution,  directed  the  Secretary  of  the 
Treasury  to  appoint  a  commissioner  to  confer  with  the  proper  functionaries  in  Great 
Britain  in  relation  to  some  plan  of  so  mutually  arranging,  on  a  decimal  basis,  the  coin- 
age of  the  two  countries,  that  the  respective  units  should  be  thereafter  easily  and 
exactly  commensurable.  The  Committee  on  Finance  in  the  Senate,  in  reporting  the 
resolution,  remark  that  no  measure  can  be  readily  suggested  whose  realization  would 
mark  a  more  decided  epoch  in  the  history  of  commerce.  Under  this  resolution  a  very 
competent  gentleman  was  appointed  the  commissioner,  and  on  the  6th  of  January, 
1859,  his  report  was  communicated  to  Congress  (Ex.  Doc.  H.  R.  No.  36).  Although 
the  British  Government  were  not  prepared  themselves  to  take  the  initiative  with  ref- 
erence to  a  project  which  could  not  be  carried  out  by  it  without  parliamentary  sanc- 
tion, they  were  prepared  to  consider  and  confer  with  respect  to  any  proposal  that  the 
commissioner  might  be  instructed  to  make  in  behalf  of  the  (Jovernment  of  the  United 
States. 

This  result  was  merely  preliminary,  but  perhaps  all  that  could  have  been  attained 
under  the  limited  instructions  given  to  the  commissioner.  But  this  beginning  was  not 
followed  up,  and  there  seems  to  have  been  no  further  prosecution  of  the  negotiations. 
In  his  annual  report  to  Congress,  in  December,  1862,  the  very  able  Secretary  of  the 
Treasury  (now  Chief  Justice  of  the  United  States*)  invited  the  attention  of  Congress 
to  the  present  favorable  occasion  for  securing  harmony  between  our  own  coinage  and 
that  of  Great  Britain.     He  said : 

"  In  his  last  report,  the  Secretary  took  occasion  to  invite  the  attention  of  Congress 
to  the  importance  of  uniform  weights,  measures,  and  coins,  and  to  the  worth  of  the 
decimal  system  in  the  commerce  of  the  world.  He  now  ventures  to  suggest  that  the 
present  demonetization  of  gold  may  well  be  availed  of  for  the  purpose  of  taking  one 
considerable  step  toward  these  great  ends.  If  the  half-eagle  of  the  Union  be  made  of 
equal  weight  and  fineness  with  the  gold  sovereign  of  Great  Britain,  no  sensible  injury 
could  possibly  arise  from  the  change,  while,  on  the  resumption  of  specie  payments,  its 
great  advantage  would  be  felt  in  the  equalization  of  exchange  and  the  convenience  of 
commerce.  This  act  of  the  United  States,  moreover,  might  be  followed  by  the  adop- 
tion by  Great  Britain  of  the  Federal  decimal  divisions  of  the  coin,  and  tlius  a  most 
important  advance  might  be  secured  toward  an  intematioual  coinage  with  value  deci- 
mally expressed." 

At  the  international  congress  of  Berlin,  the  transactions  of  which  were  reported  by 
the  United  States  commissioner  and  submitted  to  Congress,  it  was  resolved  as  follows: 
"First.  That  the  congress  recommends  that  the  existing  units  of  money  be  reduced 
to  a  small  number;  that  each  unit  should  be,  as  far  as  possible,  decimally  subdivided; 
that  the  coins  in  use  should  all  be  expressed  in  weights  of  the  metrical  system,  and 
should  all  be  of  the  same  degree  of  fineness,  viz,  nine-tenths  fine  and  one-tenth  alloy. 
"Second.  That  the  different  governments  be  invited  to  send  to  a  special  congress 
delegates  authorized  to  consider  and  report  what  should  be  the  relative  weights  in  the 
metrical  system  of  gold  and  silver  coins,  and  to  arrange  the  details  by  which  the  mone- 
tary system  of  ditterent  countries  may  be  fixed  accor(Ung  to  the  terms  of  the  preceding 
propositions." 

The  occasion  of  the  world's  exposition  of  industry  at  Paris,  in  1867,  will  furnish  the 
proper  opportunity  for  a  free  conference  between  the  authorized  commissioners  of  dif- 
ferent governments  as  to  the  best  means  of  establishing  a  uniform  system  of  coinage 
for  the  common  use  of  the  nations  of  the  world.  It  is  to  be  hoped  that  the  Government 
of  the  United  States  will  be  represented  by  a  commissioner  whom  it  may  be  author- 
ized to  delegate  with  special  reference  to  the  accomplishment  of  this  great  object. 

The  only  interest  of  any  nation  that  could  possibly  be  injuriously  att'ected  by  the 
establishment  of  this  uniformity  is  that  of  the  money-changers,  an  interest  which 
contributes  little  to  the  public  welfare,  while,  bj"^  diversity  of  coinage  and  of  values, 
it  adds  largely  to  its  private  accumulations. 

The  only  indispensable  condition  of  this  uniformity  of  value  is  that  in  the  standard 
unit,  with  its  divisions  and  multiples  used  in  commerce,  there  shall  be  in  all  countries 
an  equal  amount  of  gold  (or  silver),  with  fixed  proportion  of  alloy.  Each  nation  will 
retain  its  own  devices  and  legends  and  other  national  peculiarities  of  mintage.  A 
common  name  for  the  standaM  unit  would  be  desirable  but  not  essential.  The  pres- 
ence of  a  given  amount  of  precious  metal,  mixed  with  a  given  amount  of  alloy,  is  the 
only  absolute  prerequisite  for  the  establishment  of  international  uniformity  in  coin- 


H.  Eep.  14- 


*  Salmon  P.  Chaae,  died  May  7, 1873. 


18 


METRIC   SYSTEM. 


METRIC   SYSTEM. 


19 


age.  The  dollar  of  the  United  States,  four  shillings  of  England,  and  five  francs  of 
France  are  of  approximate  value.  Several  nations  of  Europe  have  adopted,  under 
other  names,  the  coinage  of  France,  making  it  of  equal  value. 

The  general  par  value  of  shares  in  railroads  and  other  corporations  on  the  conti- 
nent of  Europe,  as  well  as  in  England  and  the  United  States,  is  one  hundred  dollars 
or  its  approximate  equivalent  in  the  money  of  the  different  nations.  This,  of  itself, 
would  seem  to  be  a  concession  of  the  value  which  should  constitute  the  standard  unit 
of  money.  The  United  States  are  now  in  a  favorable  condition  to  yield,  with  little  in- 
convenience, to  a  variation  in  the  essential  value  of  their  dollar,  if  it  should  become 
necessary,  their  coin  being  now  withdrawn  from  general  circulation.  No  opportunity 
so  auspicious  for  effecting  any  needed  change  in  quantity  of  gold  or  silver  and  alloy 
can  be  expected  for  many  years  to  come.  The  present  would  therefore  seem  to  be 
the  most  desirable  period  for  this  government  to  engage  in  the  preliminary  negoti- 
ations necessary  for  the  establishment  of  a  common  unit  of  value  among  all  commer- 
cial nations.  But  the  committee  can  make  no  recommendation  of  any  specific  meas- 
ure beyond  the  resolution  herewith  submitted.  Their  conviction  is  clear  that  intema- 
tional*  uniformity  is  of  the  utmost  importance  for  the  convenience  of  our  external 
trade  and  of  our  general  intercourse  with  foreign  nations ;  and  that  at  this  time,  es- 
jiecially,  it  is  the  duty  of  the  government  to  prosecute  with  energy  its  efforts  to  effect 
an  agreement  with  the  leading  nations  of  Europe  on  this  subject.  The  consent  of  the 
United  States,  of  England,  and  of  France  would  necessarily  ultimate  in  the  consent 
of  all  commercial  nations. 

WEIGHTS  AND  MEASURES. 

Upon  the  other  branch  of  the  subjects  with  the  examination  of  which  this  committee 
is  charged  they  are  prepared  to  report  more  definitely. 

The  whole  history  of  our  revolutionary  confederation  and  the  constitutional  gov- 
ernment of  the  United  States  has  been  a  continuous  acknowledgment  of  the  perplexi- 
ties arising  from  the  diversity  of  weights  and  measures  throughout  their  jurisdiction, 
and  of  the  great  desirableness  of  a  uniform  and  decimal  system.  The  Articles  of  Con- 
federation embraced  the  following  clause : 

''The  United  States,  in  Congress  assembled,  shall  have  the  sole  and  exclusive  right 
and  power  of  regulating  the  alloy  and  value  of  coin  struck  by  their  own  authority  or 
by  that  of  the  respective  States,  fixing  the  standards  of  weights  and  measures  through- 
out the  Unitetl  States." 

This  power  was  transferred  to  Congress  by  the  Constitution  of  the  United  States 
in  the  following  language:  "Congress  shall  have  power  *  *  •  to  coin  money, 
regulate  the  value  thereof,  and  of  foreign  coin,  and  fix  the  standard  of  weights  and 
measu  res. " 

The  first  President,  Washington,  in  his  message  to  the  first  Congress  assembled  un- 
der the  Constitution,  brought  the  subject  before  Congress  in  the  following  language  : 

"Uniformity  in  the  currency,  weights,  and  measures  of  the  United  States  is  an  ob- 
ject of  great  importance,  and  will,  I  am  persuaded,  be  duly  attended  to." 

He  again  called  the  attention  of  Congress  to  it  in  his  message  of  December,  1790 ; 
and  again,  in  his  opening  address  at  the  first  session  of  the  Second  Congress,  he  said : 

"A  uniformity  in  the  weights  and  measures  of  the  country  is  among  the  important 
objects  submitted  to  you  by  the  Constitution,  and  if  it  can  be  derived  from  a  standard 
at  once  invariable  and  universal,  must  be  no  less  honorable  to  the  public  councils 
than  conducive  to  the  public  convenience." 

In  accordance  with  the  President's  first  recommendation,  the  House  of  Representa- 
tives, on  the  15th  of  January,  1790, 

Ordered,  That  it  be  referred  to  the  Secretary  of  Stat«  to  prepare  and  report  to  this 
House,  in  like  manner,  a  proper  jdan  or  plans  for  establishing  uniformity  in  the  cur- 
rency, weights,  and  measures  of  the  United  States." 

On  the  15th  of  July  of  that  year  the  House  of  Representatives  received  from  the 
Secretary  of  State  (Mr.  Jefferson)  his  report  for  the  proper  plan  for  establishing  the 
desired  uniformity,  as  requested  by  the  House. 

In  this  elaborate  report  the  Secretary  proposed  "that  the  standard  of  measure  be  a 
uniform  cylindrical  rod  of  iron  of  such  length  as,  in  latitude  45°  in  the  level  of  the 
ocean,  and  in  a  cellar,  or  other  place,  the  temperature  of  which  does  not  vary  through 
the  year,  shall  perform  its  vibration  in  uniform  and  equal  arcs  in  one  second  of  mean 
time. 

Starting  from  this  standard  he  proposes  two  distinct  plans  for  the  consideration  of 
the  House,  that  they  might,  at  their  will,  adopt  the  one  or  the  other  exclusively, 
or  the  one  for  the  present,  and  the  other  for  the  future  time,  when  the  public  mind 
may  be  supposed  to  have  become  familiarized  to  it. 

The  first  plan  was  to  define  and  render  uniform  and  stable  the  existing  system  ;  to  make 
the  foot  to  bear  a  definite  ratio  to  the  standard  pendulum  rod  ;  to  reduce  the  dry  and 
liquid  measures  to  corresponding  capacities  by  establishing  a  single  callon  of  270 
cubic  inches,  and  a  bushel  to  be  equal  to  eight  gallons,  or  2,160  inches — that  is,  to  one 


^     I      > 


Y  I  y 


<  I  y 


<  I  > 


H 


> 


and  one-fourth  cubic  feet ;  to  make  the  ounce  to  be  the  weight  of  one-thousandth  part 
ot  a  cubic  foot  of  water ;  to  retain  the  more  known  terms  of  the  two  kinds  of  weights 
in  use,  reduced  to  one  series ;  and  to  express  the  quantity  of  pure  silver  in  the  dollar 
in  parts  of  the  weights  so  defined. 

The  second  plan  was  to  reduce  "every  branch  to  the  same  decimal  ratio  already  es- 
tablished m  coins,  and  thus  bring  the  calculation  of  the  principal  affairs  of  life  within 
the  arithmetic  of  eveiy  man  who  can  multiply  and  divide  plain  numbers." 

Except  in  the  length  of  the  fundamental  unit  and  in  the  nomenclature,  this  second 
plan  was  essentially  that  of  the  metrical  system  of  France.  A  fifth  part  of  the  standard 
rod  which  has  been  described  was  taken  for  the  foot,  and  was  proposed  for  the  princi- 
pal unit.  Its  length  would  be  about  one-quarter  of  an  inch  shorter  than  the  foot  in 
common  use. 

1 A^^®  ^^^^  ^^  divided  into  10  inches ;  the  inch  into  ten  lines ;  the  line  into  10  points : 
10  feet  made  a  decad ;  10  decads  make  a  rood ;  10  roods  a  furlong ;  10  furlongs  a  mile. 

The  cubic  foot  was  to  be  the  bushel,  and  was  to  be  multiplied  and  divided  decimally 
for  the  several  units  of  dry  and  liquid  measure.  The  weight  of  a  cubic  foot  of  water 
divided  decimally  furnished  weights.  By  a  very  slight  change  the  silver  dollar  would 
weigh  an  ounce  in  this  new  series. 

These  two  plans  were  sharply  opposed  to  each  other,  and  it  was  to  be  expected  that 
the  desire  for  a  decimal  division  and  symmetry  of  svstem  on  the  one  hand  and  the  re- 
luctance to  make  a  violent  change  on  the  other  should  elicit  no  little  discussion. 

After  the  preparation  of  his  report,  and  before  its  communication  to  the  House,  Mr. 
Jefferson  received  the  news  that  propositions  had  been  made  in  the  National  Assembly 
of  France  and  in  Parliament  which  looked  to  the  creation  and  establishment  of  a 
uniform  international  system  of  weights  and  measures.  The  movement  in  the  former 
body  resulted  in  the  formation  of  the  present  metrical  system  of  France. 

This  report  was  communicated  to  the  Senate  in  December  of  that  year,  and  Senators 
Izard,  Monroe,  Langdon,  and  Schuyler  were  appointed  a  committee  to  take  it  into 
consideration.  That  committee  reported  on  the  1st  of  March,  1791,  that,  "  as  a  propo- 
sition has  been  made  to  the  National  Assembly  of  France  for  obtaining  a  standard  of 
measure  which  shall  be  invariable  and  communicable  to  all  nations  and  at  all  times  • 
as  a  similar  proposition  has  been  submitted  to  the  British  Parliament  in  their  last 
session  ;  as  the  avowed  object  of  these  is  to  introduce  an  uniformity  in  the  measures 
and  weights  of  the  commercial  nations;  as  a  coincidence  of  regulation  by  the  govern- 
ment of  the  United  States  on  so  interesting  a  subject  would  be  desirable,  your  com- 
mittee are  of  opinion  that  it  would  not  be  eligible  at  present  to  introduce  any  altera- 
tion m  the  measures  and  weights  which  are  now  used  in  the  United  States."  This 
report  was  adopted. 

The  Second  Congress,  which  met  for  its  first  session  at  Philadelphia  in  October,  1791 
had  the  subject  again  urged  upon  its  attention  by  the  third  appeal  of  President  Wash- 
ington, m  his  opening  address.    A  week  later  the  Senate  appointed  a  committee,  con- 
sisting of  very  nearly  the  same  members  as  the  committee  of  the  preceding  Congress 
to  take  into  consideration  the  subject  of  M^eights  and  measures  and  report  thereon     * 

The  committee  reported  on  the  4th  of  April,  1792,  recommending  the  adoption  of  the 
second  plan  proposed  by  Mr.  Jefferson,  which  was  an  entirely  decimal  and  svuunetrical 
system.  *' 

The  consideration  of  the  report  was  deferred  until  the  next  session  of  Congress,  and 
finally  referred  to  a  special  committee,  and  their  report  was  not  "finally  disposed  of  " 

Dujing  the  second  session  of  the  Third  Congress,  the  Pi-esident  received  from  the 
French  envoy  a  communication  describing  the  newly-adopted  metric  system  of  France 
together  with  copies  of  the  provisional  meter  and  kilogramme.    This  communication 
sent  to  Congress  on  the  8th  of  January,  1795. 

During  the  first  session  of  the  Fourth  Congress,  this  communication  of  the  French 
envoy  and  the  report  of  Mr.  Jefferson  were  referred  to  a  committee  of  the  House 
which  reported  on  the  12th  of  April,  1796.  The  committee  assumed  that  all  measures 
of  surface,  capacity,  and  weight  should  be  regulated  by  measure  of  length;  that  the 
standard  units  of  length  and  weight  should  not  differ  in  a  sensible  degree  from  the 
present  foot  and  pound,  and  that  the  standards  should  be  referable  to  some  uniform 
principle  in  nature,  if  it  can  be  made  to  appear  that  reference  may  be  had  to  such  a 
measure  with  suflicient  certainty  of  uniformity  in  the  result  of  difterent  experiments 
and  without  much  time,  trouble,  and  expense  in  making  them.  ' 

They  propose,  therefore,  that  experiments  be  undertaken  for  determining  the  length 
of  the  proposed  pendulum  rod,  and  that  from  this  should  be  derived  the  standard  foot 
and  standard  pound.  While  they  suggest  four  modes  for  dividing  the  weights,  and 
indicate  their  decided  preference  for  the  decimal  divisions,  they  avoid  the  vexed  qres- 
tion  of  the  mode  of  the  division  of  the  foot,  and  also  the  kindred  one  of  the  contents 
of  the  bushel  and  gallon. 

A  bill  to  provide  for  the  experiments  passed  the  House,  but  on  the  third  reading  in 
the  Senate  was  postponed  to  the  next  session,  and  so  lost. 

During  the  next  twenty  years  three  or  four  committees  were  appointed  to  examine 


20 


<     >- 


METRIC   SYSTEM. 


the  subject  and  report,  but  no  action  resulted  therefrom.    It  was  not  until  after  the 
close  of  the  war  of  1812  that  serious  consideration  of  it  was  again  resumed. 

The  difficulties  of  the  questions  remained.  It  was  still  uncertain  whether  the  met- 
rical system  would  eventually  succeed,  even  in  France.  It  does  not  appear,  therefore, 
that  the  adoption  of  that  system  was  urged  as  a  settlement.  We  could  not  be  expected 
to  give  up  our  old  measures  without  a  resulting  improvement  that  should  be  perma- 
nent. On  the  other  hand,  to  divide  our  units  decimally  would  destroy  uniformity 
■with  England,  with  the  unpleasant  prospect  before  us  of  a  second  change,  if  another 
decimal  system  should  become  elsewhere  universal. 

In  his  annual  message,  sent  to  the  Fourteenth  Congress  Ut  its  second  session  (De- 
cember 3,  1816),  President  Madison  urges  the  subject  upon  their  attention  in  the  fol- 
lowing language : 

"  Congress  will  call  to  mind  that  no  adequate  provision  has  yet  been  made  for  the 
uniformity  of  weights  and  measures,  also  contemplated  by  the  Constitution.  The 
great  utility  of  a  standard  fixed  in  its  nature,  and  founded  on  the  easy  rule  of  decimal 
proportions,  is  sufficiently  obvious.  It  led  the  government  at  an  early  stage  to  pre- 
paratory steps  for  introducing  it,  and  a  completion  of  the  work  will  be  a  just  title  to 
the  public  gratitude." 

As  a  consequence  of  this  decided  expression  of  the  President,  the  Senate,  just  before 
the  close  of  the  session  (March  3,  1817)  referred  it  to  the  Secretary  of  State  to  prepare 
and  report  to  them  "A  statement  relative  to  the  regulations  and  standards  for  weights 
and  measures  in  the  several  States,  and  relative  to  proceedings  in  foreign  countries  for 
establishing  uniformity  in  weights  and  measures,  together  with  such  propositions  rela- 
tive thereto  as  may  be  proper  to  be  adopted  in  the  United  States." 

Similar  action,  more  than  two  years  later,  was  taken  by  the  House  of  Representatives. 

Without  waiting  for  the  reply  of  the  Secretary  of  State,  a  committee  of  the  House, 
on  the  25th  of  January,  1819,  presented  a  report  on  the  subject.  After  speaking  of  the 
difficulty  of  introducing  the  new  system,  the  committee  recommends,  in  effect,  the  first 
plan  proposed  by  Mr.  Jefferson ;  also  that  standards  conformed  to  those  in  most  com- 
mon use  among  us  should  be  accurately  made  and  carefully  preserved  at  the  seat  of 
government,  and  that  correct  models  should  be  placed  in  the  different  districts  of  the 
country.  Resolutions  providing  for  the  establishment  of  a  commission  to  execute  this 
plan,  and  defining  the  duties  of  such  commission,  were  reported  to  the  House  by  the 
committee. 

The  report  of  Hon.  John  Quincy  Adams,  Secretary  of  State,  to  whom  the  subject  had 
been  referred  in  December  4, 1819,  was  transmitted  to  the  Senate  on  the  22d  February, 
1821.  The  extent  of  the  ground  covered  by  this  learned  report,  and  its  elaborate  char- 
acter, satisfactorily  explain  why  four  years  had  been  employed  in  its  preparation.  It 
considers  successively  the  origin  of  measures  and  weights  in  the  earlier  necessities  of 
savage  life,  their  modifications  with  human  progress,  and  by  positive  law,  the  Hebrew, 
the  Greek,  and  the  Roman  metrology.     He  then  adds : 

"Among  the  nations  of  modem  Europe  there  are  two  who,  by  their  genius,  their 
learning,  their  industry,  and  their  ardent  and  successful  cultivation  of  the  arts  and 
sciences,  are  scarcely  less  distinguished  than  the  Hebrews,  from  whom  they  have  re- 
ceived most  of  their  religious,  or  the  Greeks,  from  whom  they  have  received  many  of 
their  civil  and  political  institutions.  From  these  two  nations  the  inhabitants  of  these 
United  States  are  chiefly  descended,  and  from  one  of  them  we  have  all  our  existing 
weights  and  measures.  Both  of  them,  for  a  series  of  ages,  have  been  engaged  in  the 
pursuit  of  a  uniform  system  of  weights  and  measures.  To  this  the  wishes  of  their 
philanthropists,  the  hopes  of  their  patriots,  the  researches  of  their  philosophers,  and 
the  energy  of  their  legislators  have  been  aiming,  with  efforts  so  stupendous,  and  with 
perseverance  so  untiring,  that,  to  any  person  who  shall  examine  them,  it  may  well  be  a 
subject  of  astonishment  to  find  that  they  are  both  yet  entangled  in  the  pursuit  at  this 
hour,  and  that  it  may  well  be  doubted  whether  all  their  latest  and  greatest  exertions 
have  not  hitherto  tended  to  increase  diversity  instead  of  producing  uniformity." 

This  leads  to  an  elaborate  historical  description  of  the  English  and  French  systems 
of  weights  and  measures,  together  with  a  brief  summary  of  the  earlier  discussions  of 
the  subject  in  this  country. 

The  importance  of  uniformity  between  the  United  States  and  England  is  recognized 
and  urged. 

On  the  other  hand,  Mr.  Adams  was  no  less  strongly  impressed  with  the  immense 
advantage  of  the  metrical  system  of  France.  It  was  at  that  day  stiU  a  question 
whether  it  would  establish  itself,  exclusively,  even  in  its  native  land ;  yet  the  hopes 
which  it  excited  led  the  Secretary  to  say,  with  the  admiration  of  a  poet,  and  the  fervor 
of  a  prophet,  "This  system  api)roaches  to  the  ideal  pert'ection  of  uniformity  applied 
to  weights  and  measures,  and  whether  destined  to  succeed,  or  doomed  to  fail,  will  shed 
unfading  glory  upon  the  age  in  which  it  was  conceived,  and  upon  the  nation  by  which 
its  execution  was  attempted,  and  has  been  in  part  achieved.  In  the  progress  of  its 
establishment  there,  it  has  been  often  brought  in  conflict  with  the  laws  of  physical  and 
moral  nature,  with  the  impenetrability  of  matter,  and  with  the  habits,  passions,  prej- 


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udices,  and  necessities  of  man.  It  has  undergone  various  important  modifications.  It 
must  undoubtedly  still  submit  to  others  before  it  can  look  for  universal  adoption.  But 
if  man  upon  earth  be  an  improvable  being ;  if  that  universal  peace  which  was  the 
object  of  a  Savior's  mission,  which  is  the  desire  of  the  philosopher,  the  longing  of  the 
philanthropist,  the  trembling  hope  of  the  Christian,  is  a  blessing  to  which  the  niturity 
of  mortal  man  has  a  claim  of  more  than  mortal  promise ;  if  the  spirit  of  evil  is,  before 
the  final  consummation  of  things,  to  be  cast  down  from  his  dominion  over  men  and 
bound  in  the  chains  of  a  thousand  years,  the  foretaste  here  of  man's  eternal  felicity, 
then  this  system  of  instruments,  to  accomplish  all  the  changes  of  social  and  friendly 
commerce,  will  furnish  the  links  of  sympathy  between  the  inhabitants  of  the  most 
distant  regions ;  the  meter  will  surround  the  globe  in  use  as  well  as  in  multiplied  ex- 
tention,  and  one  language  of  weights  and  measures  will  be  spoken  from  the  equator  to 
the  poles." 

After  an  analysis  and  contrast  of  the  respective  advantages  and  disadvantages  of 
the  English  and  French  weights  and  measures,  so  far  as  the  advantages  or  disadvan- 
tages could  be  derived  from  theory,  and  the  very  imperfect  experience  of  the  French 
up  to  that  time,  Mr.  Adams  adds: 

"These  views  are  presented  as  leading  to  the  conclusion  that,  as  final  and  universal 
uniformity  of  weights  and  measures  is  the  common  desideratum  of  all  civilized  nations ; 
as  France  has  formed,  and  has  for  her  own  use  established,  a  system  adapted  to  the 
highest  efforts  of  human  science,  ingenuity,  and  skill  to  the  common  purposes  of  all ; 
as  this  system  is  yet  new,  imperfect,  susceptible  of  ^eat  improvements,  and  struggling 
for  existence  even  in  the  country  which  gave  it  birth ;  as  its  universal  establishment 
would  be  a  universal  blessing,  and  as,  if  ever  effected,  it  can  only  be  by  consent,  and 
not  by  force,  in  which  the  energies  of  opinion  must  precede  those  of  legislation,  it 
would  be  worthy  the  dignity  of  the  Congress  of  the  United  States  to  consult  the  opin- 
ions of  all  the  civilized  nations  with  whom  they  have  a  friendly  intercourse,  to  ascer- 
tain, with  the  utmost  attainable  accuracy,  the  existing  state  of  their  respective  weights 
and  measures,  to  take  up  and  pursue  with  steady,  persevering,  but  always  temperate 
and  discreet  exertions,  the  idea  conceived  and  thus  far  executed  by  France,  and  to 
co-operate  with  her  to  the  final  and  universal  establishment  of  her  system.     *    »    » 

"In  contemplating  so  great  but  so  beneficial  a  change  as  the  ultimate  object  of  the 
proposal  now  submitted  to  the  consideration  of  Congress,  it  is  supposed  to  be  most 
congenial  to  the  end  to  attempt  no  present  change  whatever  in  our  existing  weights 
and  measures ;  to  let  the  standards  remain  precisely  as  they  are,  and  to  confine  the 
proceedings  of  Congress  at  this  time  to  authorizing  the  Executive  to  open  these  com- 
munications with  the  European  nations  where  we  have  accredited  ministers  and 
agents,  and  to  such  declaratory  enactments  and  regulations  as  may  secure  a  more  per- 
fect uniformity  in  the  weights  and  measures  now  in  use  throughout  the  Union." 

After  giving  statements  of  the  laws  in  force  in  the  several  States,  the  report  con- 
cludes by  submitting  to  Congress  a  plan  consisting  of  two  parts,  the  principles  of 
which  were : 

1.  To  fix  the  standard  with  the  partial  uniformity  of  which  it  is  susceptible,  for  the 
present  excluding  all  innovation. 

2.  To  consult  with  foreign  nations  for  the  future  and  ultimate  establishment  of  uni- 
versal and  permanent  uniformity. 

"  All  trifling  and  partial  attempts  of  change  in  our  existing  system,  it  is  hoped,  will 
be  steadily  discountenanced  and  rejected  by  Confess,  not  only  as  unworthy  of  the  high 
and  solemn  importance  of  the  subject,  but  as  impracticable  to  the  purpose  of  uni- 
formity, and  as  inevitably  tending  to  the  reverse — to  increased  diversity,  to  inextricable 
confusion." 

CoAgress  has  heretofore  authorized  the  construction  of  standards  of  the  common 
measures  of  length,  weight,  and  capacity,  and  their  distribution  to  the  several  States 
as  well  as  to  the  custom-houses  and  certain  departments  of  the  public  service,  but 
has  hitherto  failed  to  take  a  decisive  step  in  advance. 

In  the  mean  time,  the  separate  action  of  foreign  governments,  as  will  hereafter  be 
shown,  ha«  produced  the  results  which  the  Secretary  sought  by  his  proposition  for  con- 
current action.  The  desire  he  expressed  for  the  concurrence  of  the  British  Govern- 
ment especially,  is  now  realized  in  the  initiatory  steps  taken  by  Parliament  in  the 
authorized  adoption  of  the  metric  system. 

For  this  and  other  prior  reasons,  the  second  part  of  Mr.  Adams's  plan  has  not  been 
effectively  prosecuted.  Its  objects  have  not,  however,  been  forgotten,  and  have  occu- 
pied, during  the  last  ten  years  more  especially,  the  serious  attention  of  the  people  and 
the  government.  Resolutions  of  State  legislatures,  petitions  from  scientific  and  other 
organized  societies,  recommendations  from  executive  officers,  and  direct  action  of 
Congress — ^these  all  indicate  a  tussatisfaction  with  the  present  defective  system  of  our 
weights  and  measures^  and  an  earnest  desire  for  a  decimal  system  common  to  all 
nations. 

In  his  annual  report  of  December  9, 1847,  the  Secretary  of  the  Treasury  (Hon.  R.  J, 
Walker)  commends  the  subject  to  the  attention  of  Congress.    He  says : 


22 


IfETBIC   ST8TEM. 


METRIC    SVSTEH. 


23 


"  Coins,  as  well  as  weights  and  measures,  for  the  benefit  of  all  nations,  ought  to  be 
uniform  throughout  the  world  ;  and  if  our  decimal  system  of  coinage  should  be  more 
simple  and  perfect  than  that  of  any  other  nation,  it  ought  to  be,  and  ultimately  will 
be,  adopted,  and  lead,  as  far  as  practicable,  to  the  introduction  of  the  decimal  system 
of  weights  and  measures,  or  at  least  its  simplification,  so  that  ultimately  the  coin  and 
the  weights  and  measures  may  be  simple  and  uniform  throughout  the  world." 

A  few  months  later  the  superintendent  of  weights  and  measures.  Professor  Bache, 
in  his  report,  urges  attention  to  the  subject  (Ex.  Doc.  84,  Thirtieth  Congress,  first 
session,  July  30,  1848) : 

"No  one  who  has  discussed  the  subject  of  weights  and  measures  in  our  country  has 
considered  the  present  arrangement  as  an  enduring  one.  It  has  grown  up  with  the 
growth  of  European  society,  and  is  deficient  in  simplicity  and  in  system.  The  labor 
which  is  expended  in  mastering  the  complex  denominations  of  weights  and  measures 
is  labor  lost.  Every  puipose  for  which  weights  and  measures  are  employed  can  be 
answered  by  a  simple  and  connected  arrangement. 

"  In  our  own  country  the  present  arrangement  of  weights  and  measures  has  been 
considered  by  the  men  who  have  written  upon  it  as  temporary." 

After  speaking  of  the  two  parts  of  Mr.  Adams's  plan,  and  asking  whether  the  time 
lias  now  come  for  urging  the  measures  involved  in  the  second  part,  he  says : 

"The  present  time  seems  especially  to  invite  an  eflbrt  of  this  kind.  In  England  the 
subject  of  weights  and  measures  is  under  consideration  by  a  commission ;  and  on  the 
continent  the  new  relations  of  states,  hitherto  separated,  appear  to  be  favorable  to 
this  object.  Such  changes  can  be  readily  eftected  by  suitable  means  in  one  generation 
by  introducing  the  new  measures  through  the  elementary  schools. 

"  I  am  of  opinion  that  the  present  weights  and  measures,  whether  declared  to  be 
provisional  or  not,  will  prove  to  be  really  so  in  the  progress  of  our  Union,  and  that 
arrangements  more  worthy  to  be  called  a  system  will  one  day  prevail." 

In  a  subsequent  report,  he  says : 

"  In  Holland  the  new  weights  and  measures  were  introduced  through  the  schools. 
The  children  of  the  country  oecoming  familiar  with  them  in  the  primary  schools,  see- 
ing the  actual  material  standards  of  length,  capacity,  and  weight  at  frequent  and 
stated  times  in  early  youth,  and  retaining  that  familiarity  as  they  passed  into  the 
higher  schools,  would  be  readily  prepared  for  their  universal  use  when  reaching  mature 
lile.  But  the  old  material  standards  must  disappear,  and  not,  as  in  our  coinage,  be 
tolerated  by  usage  alongside  of  the  lawful  standards,  destroying  what  Mr.  Adams  has 

so  well  called  the  uniformity  of  fact. 

•  «•  •  •  •  • 

"  Conung  into  the  charge  of  an  unfinished  work,  I  conformed,  as  far  as  I  could,  to 
he  plans  already  in  part  executed  by  my  predecessor,  Mr.  Hassler,  as  I  could  co-op- 
erate heartily  in  the  endeavor  to  produce  that  uniformity  of  fact  which  was  the  basis 
of  the  system.    I  have  not  failed  from  time  to  time  to  press  forward  the  second  part 

of  this  established  system,  namely,  the  endeavor  at  universal  uniformity. 

•  ««  •  •  «  « 

"  The  first  part  of  Mr.  Adams's  plan  has  (as  far  as  legal  standards  are  concerned, 
and  in  a  great  degree)  been  accomplished  ;  but  the  second  part^ — that  which  recom- 
mends the  consultation  with  foreign  nations  for  the  ultimate  establishment  of  uni- 
versal uniformity,  remains  to  be  acted  on. 

««  #  «  •  •  • 

"  By  reference  to  the  interesting  account  of  the  metrical  system  in  the  letter  of  Mr. 
Silvermann,  it  will  be  seen  that  it  has  extended  widely  beyond  the  boundaries  of 
France,  and  has  been  adopted  by  law  in  Spain,  Belgium,  Greece,  Holland,  Lombardy, 
Poland,  and  Switzerland,  in  Europe,  and  Chili,  Colombia,  and  Mexico  on  this  conti- 
nent. 

"Has not  the  time  arrived,  in  the  general  progress  of  commercial  and  international 
intercourse,  and  the  rapid  advance  of  our  own  country  in  science,  wealth,  and  power, 
when  her  voice  should  be  heard  in  an  important  matter  like  this  ?  Should  not  Con- 
gress make  the  proposition  to  all  nations,  to  meet,  by  their  representatives,  and  con- 
sult for  the  purpose  of  establishing  permanent  and  universal  uniformity  of  weights 
and  measures?  Such  action  could  not  fail  to  meet  with  a  response  due  to  the  great- 
ness of  the  subject,  and  if  the  great  object  be  attained,  to  lead  to  results  productive 
of  vast  and  lasting  benefit  to  the  human  race." 

The  legislature  of  New  Hampshire,  by  joint  resolution,  approved  June  28,  1859,  re- 
quested their  Senators  and  Representatives  to  urge  upon  Congress  the  adoption  of  the 
decimal  system.  The  legislature  of  Maine,  March  20,  1860,  by  joint  resolution,  ex- 
pressed in  still  more  decided  language  their  desire  for  a  uniform  international  decimal 
system  of  weights,  measures,  and  coins. 

The  legislature  of  Connecticut,  by  resolution  (1861),  seconded  this  action  of  Maine. 


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In  June,  1864,  they  further  recommended  to  the  proper  school  officers  to  provide  for 
teaching  the  metrical  system  in  all  schools  of  the  State. 

The  Secretary  of  the  Treasury,  Mr.  Chase,  in  his  annual  feport,  December  9,  1861, 
again  brought  the  subject  to  the  attention  of  Congress : 

"  The  Secretary  desires  to  avail  himself  of  this  opportunity  to  invite  the  attention 
of  Congress  to  the  importance  of  a  uniform  system  and  a  uniform  nomenclature  of 
weights,  measures,  and  coins  to  the  commerce  of  the  world,  in  which  the  United  States 
already  so  largely  shares.  The  wisest  of  our  statesmen  have  regarded  the  attainment 
of  this  end  so  desirable  in  itself  as  by  no  means  impossible.  The  combination  of  the 
decimal  system  with  appropriate  denominations  in  a  scheme  of  weights,  measures,  and 
coins  for  the  international  uses  of  commerce,  leaving,  if  need  be,  the  separate  systems 
of  nations  untouched,  is  certainly  not  beyond  the  reach  of  the  daring  genius  and  patient 
endeavor  which  gave  the  steam-engine  and  the  telegraph  to  the  service  of  mankind. 
The  Secretary  respectfully  suggests  the  expediency  of  a  small  appropriation  to  be  usecl 
in  promoting  interchange  of  opinions  between  intelligent  persons  of  our  own  and  for- 
eign countries  on  this  subject." 

In  May,  1863,  an  international  postal  congress  was  held  at  Paris,  at  the  suggestion 
of  the  Government  of  the  United  States,  in  which  nearly  all  the  European  and  some 
of  the  American  governments  were  represented.  Among  the  resolutions  adopted  at 
that  congress  were  the  following: 

"  Sec.  7.  The  rates  upon  international  correspondence  shall  be  established  accord- 
ing to  the  same  scale  of  weight  in  all  countries. 

"  Sec.  8.  The  metrical  decimal  system,  being  that  which  best  satisfies  the  demands  of 
the  postal  service,  should  be  adopted  for  international  postal  relations,  to  the  exclusion 
of  every  other  system. 

"  Sec.  9.  The  single  rate  upon  international  letters  shall  be  applied  to  each  standaid 
weight  of  fifteen  grams  or  fractional  part  of  it." 

At  that  congress,  representing  nations  having  many  diflferent  systems  of  weights 
and  measures,  the  expression  in  favor  of  the  metric  system  was  unanimous. 

In  the  autumn  of  1863,  an  international  statistical  congress  was  held  at  Berlin,  and, 
at  the  instance  of  the  Prussian  Government,  the  Secretary  of  State  appointed  a  com- 
missioner to  represent  the  United  States  therein.  His  report  of  ihe  transactions  of  the 
congress  was  transmitted  to  the  Senate  on  the  18th  of  Jime,  1864.  All,  or  nearly  all, 
of  the  nations  of  Europe  were  represented.  The  subject  of  a  uniform  international 
system  of  coinage,  weights,  and  measures  was  presented  uj>on  the  report  of  a  numer- 
ous committee,  which  had  been  appointed  at  a  previous  meeting  held  at  London  three 
years  before.  Its  report  was  transmitted  to  Congress  and  published.  It  contains  de- 
tailed information  as  to  the  weights,  measures,  and  the  coins  of  the  European  and  a 
portion  of  the  American  nations.  The  statistical  congress,  after  discussion,  resolved 
that  the  adoption  of  the  same  measures  in  international  commerce  is  of  the  highest 
importance,  and  that  the  metric  system  is  the  most  convenient  of  all  that  can  be  rec- 
ommended for  international  measures. 

In  the  same  year  (18{)3),  by  request  of  the  Secretary  of  the  Treasury,  the  National 
Academy  of  Sciences  appointed  a  committee  to  consider  and  report  upon  the  subjects 
embraced  within  the  jurisdiction  of  the  committee.  Aft<^r  patient  investigation  and 
deliberate  discussion,  that  committee  made  the  following  report,  which  was  adopted 
by  the  Academy  with  almost  entire  unanimity : 

"Beport  of  the  committee  on  weights,  measures,  and  coinage,  to  the  National  Academy  of  Sci- 
ences, January,  1866. 

"The  committee  are  in  favor  of  adopting,  ultimately,  a  decimal  system ;  and,  in 
their  opinion,  the  metrical  system  of  weights  and  measures,  though  not  without  de- 
fects, is,  all  things  considered,  the  best  in  use.  The  committee,  therefore,  suggest  that 
the  academy  recommend  to  Congress  to  authorize  and  encourage  by  law  the  introduc- 
tion and  use  of  the  metrical  system  of  weights  and  measures ;  and  that  with  a  view  to 
familiarize  the  people  with  the  system,  the  academy  recommend  that  provision  be 
made  by  law  for  the  immediate  manufacture  and  distribution  to  the  custom-houses 
and  States,  of  metrical  standards  of  weights  and  measures ;  to  introduce  the  system  into 
the  post-otfices  by  making  a  single  letter  weigh  fifteen  grammes  instead  o'f  fourteen 
and  seventeeu-hundredths,  or  half  an  ounce  ;  and  to  cause  the  new  cent  and  two-cent 
pieces  to  be  so  coined  that  they  shall  weigh,  respectively,  five  and  ten  grammes,  and 
that  their  diameters  shall  be  made  to  bear  a  determinate  and  simple  ratio  to  the  met- 
rical unit  of  length." 

In  concluding  this  review  of  the  agitation  of  and  action  upon  these  questions  in  the 
United  States,  it  only  remains  to  add  that  the  House  of  Representatives  of  the  Thirty- 
eighth  Congress,  at  its  first  session,  established,  by  an  amendment  of  its  rules,  a 
standing  committee  to  take  j  urisdiction  of  this  great  reform.  As  eftbrfs  to  carry  that 
reform  into  eifect  had  hitherto  been  spasmodic,  rather  than  consecutive,  it  was  thought 
proper  thereafter  to  crystallize  them  through  the  action  of  a  permanent  committee, 


m  > 


24 


METRIC    SYSTEM. 


before  wliom  they  should  perpetually  reappear  nntil  this  conceded  great  desideratum 
should  become  an  aceompliMhed  fact.  .         /.     •,     •      i 

Bat  while  the  United  States  was  the  first  to  move  in  the  direction  of  a  decimal  sys- 
tem resting  upon  a  natural  and  universally  attainable  standard,  the  eflFect  of  the  de- 
lay of  this  government,  with  a  view  to  harmony  in  action  with  England,  has  been  to 
render  it  possible  that  the  United  States  will  be  among  the  last  in  the  column  of  na- 
tions to  take  this  great  step  in  ci\ilization. 

Our  predecessors  of  the  era  of  Mr.  Adams  found  the  int-erests  of  this  country  much 
more  dependent  upon  England  than  they  are  at  this  day.  England  herself  was  less 
subject  at  that  time  to  the  effect  of  foreign  influence  than  at  present.  The  failure  ot 
these  two  governments  to  unite  upon  a  system  resting  upon  a  standard  of  their  own, 
at  a  time  when  France  stood  alone  for  the  metric  sytem,  has  been  fatal  to  the  adop- 
tion of  the  arbitrary  system  of  those  countries  by  other  nations.  Convinced  of  its  im- 
perfections, no  effort  was  made  to  introduce  it  into  other  countries,  and  any  modihca- 
tion  of  it  with  a  view  to  its  improvement  would  only  have  created  an  additional  sys- 
tem to  those  already  in  use  in  the  world,  without  having  in  any  of  its  features  a 
superiority  over  the  metric  system.  In  the  mean  time,  the  simple  order,  beauty,  and 
convenience  of  the  metric  system  has  commended  it  to  universal  acceptance,  that  it 
has  already  been  adopted  exclusively  or  permissively  by  nearly  all  the  nations  of 

Christendom.  , ,.  ,     ,  ^    o^^  ^     ■        j? 

In  France,  Spain,  Belgium,  and  Portugal  it  has  been  estabhshed  to  the  exchision  ol 
other  weights  and  measures.  In  Holland,  other  weights  are  allowed  in  compounding 
medicines  only.  Sardinia  and  Lombardy  have  long  possessed  the  system,  and  it  has 
now  been  extended  to  the  whole  of  Italy.  Greece  has  introduced  it  with  some  modifi- 
cations. In  Austria,  and  most  of  the  other  German  States,  the  half  kilogramme  has  been 
for  some  time  a  common  unit  of  weight  in  the  custom-houses  and  on  railways.  Dur- 
ing the  past  year  your  committee  are  informed  that  delegates  of  all  the  Germar  States, 
at  a  meeting  at  Frankfort-on-the-Main,  signed  a  convention,  agreeing  to  introduce  int« 
the  several  states  systems  of  which  the  meter  should  be  the  basis.  Prussia,  which 
had  previously  withheld  assent^  thus  appears  to  join  in  the  common  movement. 
Switzerland  will  necessarily  follow  Germany,  and  already  has  units  that  are  aliquot 
parts  of  the  meter  and  the  kilogramme.  The  King  of  Sweden  and  Norway  has  appointed 
a  commission  to  consider  and  report  on  the  best  mode  of  introducing  the  metric  sys- 
tem among  his  subjects.  Denmark  may  be  expected  to  follow  the  recommendation  of 
the  Scandinavian  convention  that  advised  it.  We  have  the  assurance  of  M.  Kupfer, 
the  distinguished  superintendent  of  weights  and  measures  of  the  Russian  Empire,  that 
if  England  should  adopt  the  metric  system  Russia  will  also  adopt  it. 

The  system  has  also  made  great  progress  among  the  States  upon  this  continent. 

Six  years  since  it  was  adopted  by  the  Mexican  Republic,  and  its  use  decreed  at  once 
in  the  public  offices,  and,  after  a  certain  period,  in  private  contracts.  This  period  ex- 
pired about  the  time  of  the  imperial  invasion,  under  which  that  republic  is  now  suffer- 
ing. It  was  introduced  into  Chili  in  1848,  and  is  compulsory  from  the  1st  of  June, 
1865.  In  the  United  States  of  Colombia  and  in  Venezuela  it  has  been  in  use  along 
with  other  weights  and  measures  since  1853.  In  Brazil  the  meter  is  used  for  cloth- 
measure,  and  the  liter  for  wine-measure.  In  Ecuador  the  system  was  decreed  to  come 
into  full  operation  on  the  15th  of  October  next.  In  Guatemala,  San  Salvador,  and  the 
Argentine  Republic  it  is  in  partial  use  among  the  people. 

The  action  of  England  is,  however,  of  greater  importance  to  us,  owmg  to  our  close 
lelations  with  her  and  with  her  colonies,  by  a  common  language,  by  our  large  com- 
merce, and  what  is,  perhaps,  more  pertinent  to  this  question,  by  common  weights  and 

common  measures.  .       ,         ,     ^  ...        j- 

On  the  8th  of  April,  1862,  the  House  of  Commons  appointed  a  select  committee  of 
fifteen  members  to  "  consider  the  practicability  of  adopting  a  simple  and  unifonn  sys- 
tem of  weights  and  measures,  with  a  view  not  only  to  the  benefit  of  internal  trade, 
but  to  facilitate  trade  and  intercourse  with  foreign  countries."  The  committee  exam- 
ined thirty-nine  witnesses,  among  whom  were  nine  from  foreign  countries  in  which 
the  metricXvstem  was  in  force.  They  were  generaUy  men  of  distinguished  intelligence, 
who  were  attending  the  Industrial  Exhibition  as  commissioners  from  their  respective 
countries.  The  list  of  witnesses  included  seven  merchants,  six  civil  engineers  and 
architects,  ten  professors  and  teachers,  two  manufacturers,  four  actuaries  and  account- 
ants, the  astronomer  royal,  the  master  of  the  mint,  and  the  secretary  of  the  post-office. 
That  committee  appear  to  have  been  unanimous  in  recommending  the  introduction  of 
the  metrical  system  into  Great  Britain.  ,     .     ,  ,.         i.  ^i.  i. 

On  the  13th  of  May,  1863,  a  bill  was  prepared  and  brought  m  by  members  of  that 
committee,  by  the  terms  of  which  the  metric  system  of  weights  and  measures  was  in- 
troduced into  Great  Britain,  and  its  use  by  the  people  made  compulsory  after  three 
years.  This  bill  was  passed  by  the  House  of  Commons  by  a  large  majority,  but  does 
not  appear  to  have  been  acted  on  by  the  House  of  Lords.  At  the  next  session  (Febru- 
ary, ft64),  a  bill  was  introduced  by  the  same  gentlemen,  which  changed  its  purport 
from  a  compulsory  to  a  penniasive  measure. 


-(■  y 


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METRIC   SYSTEM. 


25 


This  bill  passed  the  House  of  Commons  on  the  29th  of  June,  the  House  of  Lords  on 
the  21st  of  July,  and  became  a  law.  The  vote  of  the  House  of  Commons  approving  a 
compulsory  measure,  and  the  subsequent  enactment  of  a  permissive  law,  must  be  re- 
garded as  evincing  a  deliberate  intention  to  introduce  the  metric  system  into  England, 
iiid  as  giving  up  any  purpose  of  creating  a  separate  system  founded  upon  the  yard,  the 
foot,  or  the  mch,  and  as  paving  the  way  for  the  ultimate  exclusive  adoption  of  the 

metric  scheme.  ,  .        ,    ,       i    •   i.       4.  j 

The  general  consent  of  so  many  nations,  highly  enhghtened,  and  deeply  interested 
in  the  promotion  of  trade,  and  in  popular  progress,  affords  m  itself  an  argument  ahnost 
conclusive  for,  first,  uniformity;  second,  decimalization;  and,  third,  the  metric  plan. 

But  habit  makes  us  so  submissive  even  to  constant  inconvenience,  that  your  commit- 
tee submit  herewith  three  tables,  showing  the  perplexities  and  embarrassments  m- 
volved  in  our  customary  weights  and  measures,  in  every  effort  for  their  mutual  conver- 
sion, and  even  in  all  efforts  of  the  memory  to  retain  the  relations  of  their  several  parts. 

They  multiply  most  seriously  the  arithmetical  rules  required,  embarrass  matliemati- 
cal  calculations,  clog  the  accounts  of  trade,  increase  the  labor  of  teachers  and  scholars 
aUkeinour  schools,  absorb  in  their  acquisition  a  great  portion  of  the  time  which 
would  be  more  usefuUy  applied  to  other  studies,  and  necessarily  appreciate  the  cost 
of  a  common  business  education.  With  a  decimal  system  all  the  ordinary  transactions 
of  popular  trade  could  be  computed  by  any  person  familiar  with  the  simplest  relations 
of  niunbers,  and  without  pencil  or  paper  to  aid  the  mind,  now  embarrasaed  by  their 
complexity.  But  with  the  actual  system  in  use,  in  the  table  of  lengths  we  ascend  by 
the  factors  12,  3,  5^,  40,  8,  and  3;  or  else  by  Tff,  25,  4,  and  80. 

In  weights  we  have  three  series,  nearly  distinct— avoirdupois,  troy,  and  apothecap's. 
The  only  common  unit  is  the  grain.  In  the  first,  we  ascend  from  the  gram  by  the  tactors 
27^,  16,  16,  25  or  28,  4,  and  20;  in  the  second,  the  factors  are  24,  20,  and  12;  in  the 

third,  20,  3,  8,  and  12.  ^,  , ,.     .^ 

In  measures  of  capacity  there  are  simple  relations  between  the  several  Uquid  meas- 
ures, as  well  as  between  the  dry  measures,  and  also  the  cubic  measures;  yet,  m  com- 
paring the  measures  of  the  three  different  series,  there  are  no  useful  relations  what- 

ever 

The  accompanying  tables  exhibit  to  the  eye  this  want  of  system.  They  give  the 
number  by  which  it  is  necessary  to  multiply  or  divide,  in  order  to  reduce  one  denomi- 
nation to  another.    These  factors,  when  fractional,  are  reduced  to  their  lowest  terms. 


26 


METRIC   SYSTEM. 


METRIC   SYSTEM. 


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METRIC   8TSTEH. 


HEIBIC   ST8TEU. 


29 


These  tables  indicate  that  none  but  professional  persons  can  be  expected  to  master 
and  retain  their  knowledge  of  the  arithmetical  intricacies  of  our  present  scheme,  as 
taught  in  schools  and  used  in  practical  life.  If  to  those  denominations  there  men- 
tioned we  should  add  nails,  ells,  barleycorns,  the  two  quarters,  the  two  cwts.,  tht  ale- 
measures,  and  the  various  barrels,  pipes,  and  hogsheads,  the  list  of  difficulties  w^ould 
be  formidably  increased. 

In  marked  contrast  with  this  is 

THE  METRIC  SYSTEM. 

It  is  orderly,  simple,  and  perfectly  harmonious,  havinjj  useful  relations  between  all 
its  parts.  It  is  based  ou  the  meter j  which  is  its  principal  and  only  arbitrary  unit.  The 
meter  is  a  measure  of  length,  and  was  intended  to  be,  and  is  very  nearly,  one  ten- 
millionth  of  the  distance  on  the  earth's  surface  from  the  equator  to  the  pole.  It  is 
39.37  inches,  very  nearly. 

The  ar  is  a  surface  equal  to  a  square  whose  side  is  ten  meters.  It  is  nearly  four 
square  rods. 

The  liter  is  the  unit  of  measuring  capacity,  and  is  equal  to  the  contents  of  a  cube 
■whose  edge  is  a  tenth  part  of  the  meter.     It  is  a  little  more  than  a  wine  quart. 

The  gramme  is  the  unit  of  weight,  and  is  the  weight  of  a  cube  of  water,  each  edge 
of  the  cube  being  one  one-hundredth  of  the  meter.    It  is  equal  to  15.432  grains. 

Tlie  ster  is  a  cubic  meter. 

Each  of  these  units  is  divided  decimally,  and  larger  units  are  formed  by  multiples  of 
10,  100,  &,c.  The  successive  multiples  are  designated  by  the  prefixes  deka,  hecto,  kilo 
and  myria;  the  subordinate  parts  by  deci,  centi,  and  milh;  each  having  its  own 
nnmericfll  significance. 


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30 


METBIC   SYSTEM. 


HETBIC   STST 


31 


The  nomenclature,  simple  as  it  is  in  theory,  and  designed  from  its  origin  to  he  uni- 
versal, can  only  become  familiar  by  use.  Like  all  strange  words,  these  will  become 
familiar  by  custom,  and  obtain  popular  abbreviations.  A  system  which  has  incorpo- 
rated with  itself  so  many  different  series  of  weights,  and  such  a  nomenclature  as 
"scruples,"  "pennyweights,"  "avoirdupois,"  and  with  no  invariable  component  word, 
can  hardly  protest  against  a  nomenclature  whose  leading  characteristic  is  a  short 
component  word,  with  a  prefix  snigifying  number.  We  are  already  familiar  with 
thermometer  J  barometer  ^  diameter,  gasometer,  ^c,  with  telegram,  m^nogramy  ^c,  words 
formed  in  the  same  manner. 

After  considering  every  argument  for  a  change  of  nomenclature,  your  committee 
have  come  to  the  conclusion  that  any  attempt  to  conform  it  to  that  in  present  use 
would  lead  to  confusion  of  weights  and  measures ;  would  violate  the  easily-leanied 
order  and  simplicity  of  metric  denomination,  and  would  seriously  interfere  with  that 
universality  of  system  so  essential  to  international  and  commercial  convenience. 

When  it  is  remembered  that  of  the  value  of  our  exports  and  imports  in  the  year  end- 
ing June  30,  I860,  in  all  |1762,000,000,  the  amount  of  near  $700,000,000  was  with  nations 
and  their  dependencies  that  have  now  authorized,  or  taken  the  preliminary  steps  to  au- 
thorize, the  metric  system,  even  denominational  uniformity  for  the  use  of  accounts  in 
such  vast  transactions  assumes  an  important  significance.  In  words  of  such  universal 
employment  each  word  should  represent  the  identical  thing  intended,  and  no  other,  and 
the  law  of  association  familiarizes  it. 

Tahle  of  the  commerce  of  the  United  States  for  th^  year  ending  June  30,  1860,  exhibiting  the 
values  of  the  exports  to  and  imports  from  each  foreign  country  {including  its  colonies)  in 
which  the  metric  system  is  entirely  or  partially  adopted  or  is  in  process  of  adoption;  and 
all  the  exports  to  and  imports  from  all  other  nations. 

METRIC  NATIONa 


Conntries. 


Sweden,  Xorway,  and  Swedish  "West  Indies. 
Hamburg,  Bremen,  and  other  German  ports. 

Holland  and  Dutch  colonies 

Belgium         

(ireat  Britain  and  colonies 

France  and  colonies 

Spain  and  colonies 

Portugal  and  colonies 

Italy 


Austria 

Greece 

Mexico 

Centi-al  America 

New  Granada 

Venezuela 

Brazil 

Argentine  Republic. 

Chfli  

Ecuador 


Total 


Exports. 


$1, 516, 345 

18, 427, 958 

4, 867,  738 

4, 559,  748 

238, 887, 117 

63,  050, 187 

21, 165, 794 

402, 303 

5, 073, 375 

1, 038, 904 


5, 354, 073 

149,698 

1, 795, 499 

1, 147,  900 

6, 280,  255 

999,708 

3, 268,  673 

19,545 


378, 004, 820 


Imports. 


$532,  984 

18, 498,  607 

4,  501,  306 

2, 558,  873 

177,  913,  585 

43, 409,  627 

44, 492, 314 

266,440 

4, 734,  518 

732,  645 

71,754 

6, 935. 872 

331,258 

3,843,568 

2,  883, 464 

21,  214,  803 

4,  020,  848 

2, 07*2, 912 


339, 015, 378 


-i  I  y 


i 


i 


^ 


y 


y 


V 


NON-METRIC  NATIONS. 


Your  committee  unanimously  recommend  the  passage  of  the  bills  and  joint  resolu- 
tions appended  to  this  report.  They  were  not  prepared  to  go,  at  this  time,  beyond 
this  stage  of  progress  in  the  proposed  reform.  The  metric  system  is  already  used  in 
some  arts  and  trades  in  this  country,  and  is  especially  adapted  to  the  wants  of  others. 
Some  of  its  measures  are  already  manufactured  at  Bangor,  in  Maine,  to  meet  an  ex- 
isting demand  at  home  and  abroad.  The  manufacturers  of  the  well-known  Fair- 
banks scales  state:  "For  many  years  we  have  had  a  large  export  demand  for  our 
scales  with  French  weights,  and  the  demand  and  sale  is  constantly  increasing."  Its 
minute  and  exact  divisions  specially  adapt  it  to  the  use  of  chemists,  apothecaries,  the 
finer  operations  of  the  artisan,  and  to  all  scientific  objects.  It  has  always  been  and  is 
now  used  in  the  United  States  Coast  Survey.  Yet  in  some  of  the  States,  owing  to  the 
phraseology  of  their  laws,  it  would  be  a  direct  violation  of  them  to  use  it  in  the  busi- 
ness transactions  of  the  community.  It  is  therefore  veiy  important  to  legalize  its  use, 
and  give  to  the  people,  or  that  portion  of  them  desiring  it,  the  opportunity  for  its 
legal  employment,  while  the  knowledge  of  its  characteristics  will  be  thus  diffused 
among  men.  Chambers  of  commerce,  boards  of  trade,  manufacturing  associations, 
and  other  voluntary  societies  and  individuals,  will  be  induced  to  consider  and  in 
their  discretion  to  adopt  its  use.  The  interest  of  trade  among  a  people  so  quick  as 
ours  to  receive  and  adopt  a  useful  novelty  will  soon  acquaint  practical  men  with  its 
convenience.  When  this  is  attained — a  period,  it  is  hoped,  not  distant — a  further  act 
of  Congress  can  fix  the  date  for  its  exclusive  adoption  as  a  legal  system.  At  an  earlier 
period  it  may  be  safely  introduced  into  all  public  offices  and  for  government  service. 

In  the  schedule  of  equivalents  provided  in  the  bill,  extreme  scientific  accuracy  is 
not  expressed.  The  reasons  follow.  The  exact  length  of  the  meter  in  inches  and  the 
weight  of  the  kilogramme  in  grains  can  of  necessity  be  determined  only  approximately. 
The  most  careful  determinations  of  these  quantities  now  possible  are  liable  to  minute 
corrections  hereafter,  as  more  numerous  observations  are  made  and  better  instruments 
are  used.  Instead,  therefore,  of  aiming  at  an  accuracy  greater,  perhaps,  than  is  at- 
tainable, it  is  more  expedient  to  consult  the  convenience  of  the  people  by  using  the 
simplest  numbers  possilde  in  the  schedule,  and  yet  such  as  shall  be  in  fact  more  nearly 
exact  than  can  ever  be  demanded  in  the  ordinary  business  of  life.  These  numbers  are 
to  be  used  in  schools  and  in  practical  life  millions  of  times  as  multipliers  and  divisors, 
and  every  unnecessary  additional  figure  is  justly  objectionable. 

In  a  popular  sense  of  the  word,  however,  the  numbers  in  the  schedule  may  be  said 
to  be  exact.  The  length  of  the  meter,  for  example,  is  given  as  39.37  inches.  The 
mean  of  the  best  English  and  the  best  American  determinations  differ  from  this  only 
by  about  the  amount  by  which  the  standard  bar  changes  its  length  by  a  change  of 
one  degree  of  temperature.  Such  accuracy  is  certainly  sufficient  for  legal  purposes 
and  for  popular  use. 

The  second  measure  recommended  is  a  joint  resolution,  necessarily  following  the 
adoption  of  the  leading  bill,  and  provitles  for  furnishing  the  standards  which  will 
thereby  be  required  to  the  several  States. 

The  third  proposition  is  a  bill  to  authorize  and  provide  for  the  use  of  the  weight  of 
15  grammes  in  the  post-office,  in  conformity  with  the  system  adopted  by  that  depart- 
ment for  foreign  correspondence. 

The  fourth  is  a  resolution  looking  to  effective  negotiation  for  a  uniform  coinage 
among  nations. 

Respectfully  submitted. 

JOHN  A.  KASSON,  Chairman, 
CHARLES  H.  WINFIELD. 
THOMAS  WILLIAMS. 
HEZEKIAH  S.  BUNDY. 
HENRY  L.  DAWES. 


Russia  and  possessions 

Prussia 

Ionian  Republic 

Denmark  and  Danish  West  Indies . 

Turkey 

Egypt 

Arrican  ports 

Hayti 

San  Domingo 

Uruguay 

Peru 

Sandwich  Islands 

Other  Pacific  islands 

Japan 

China 

Other  itorts  in  Asia 


Total 

THiale  fisheries  and  unknown. 


$2,  833, 325 


1, 


2. 
2, 


8. 


328, 548 
849,768 

36, 420 
370,543 
673,682 
169,300 
789. 358 
987,672 
747, 462 

65,274 
138,  774 
906, 118 
108,969 


22, 005, 213 
112,263 


$1, 557, 868 

36,464 

62,  897 

216,925 

970, 250 

71,709 

1, 755,  916 

2, 062, 723 

283,098 

908,750 

308, 452 

367,  859 

112, 401 

55,091 

13, 566, 587 

49,634 


22, 386, 624 
764, 252 


RELATIVE  VALUES   OF  ENGLISH  AND  METRIC  UNITS,  AND  ILLUSTRA- 
TIONS OF  THEIR  USE. 

For  the  benefit  and  instruction  of  the  inexperienced  in  the  theory  and 
practice  of  this  new  system  of  weights  and  measures,  we  will  here  pre- 
sent a  recapitulation  of  the  whole  theory  of  the  system. 

As  we  have  already  remarked  in  general  terms,  metric  weights  and 
measures  are  founded  upon  the  decimal  notation^  and  are  so  called  because 
their  primary  unit  or  ha^e  is  the  meter. 

The  meter^  therefore,  is  the  unit  of  lengthy  and  is  equal  to  one  ten-mill- 


32 


BIETEIC   SYSTEM. 


ionth  part  of  the  distance  on  the  earth's  surface  from  the  equator  to  the 
pole,  or,  as  stated,  39.37  inches  nearly. 

1.  The  term  meter  is  from  the  Greek  matron,  a  measure^  and  is  fully 
explained  in  Prof.  J.  E.  Hilgard's  report  on  the  metric  standards  for  the 
Stiites,  pp.  10-12. 

2.  From  the  meter  are  derived  the  unit  of  square  measure,  called  the 
ar  (ar) ;  the  unit  of  cubic  measure,  called  the  ster  (star) ;  the  unit  of 
capacity,  called  the  liter  (leeter),  and  the  unit  of  weight,  called  the 
gramme, 

3.  The  names  of  the  higlier  denominations,  or  multiples^  of  the  unit 
are  formed  by  prefixing  to  the  several  uniU  the  Oreek  numei-als,  thus : 
deWa,  hi&to,  Ml'o,  and  myr^ia,  which  denote  10,  100,  1,000,  10,000 ;  as 
dekameter,  10  meters,  hectometer^  100  meters,  &c. 

4.  The  name  of  the  lower  denominations,  or  divisions,  of  the  unit  are 
formed  by  prefixing  to  the  units  the  Latin  numerals,  dec'i,  cent'i,  and 
miiai,  which  denote  iV,  lio?  Tdoo>  as  decimeter^  ^^o  ^^eter;  centimeter,  yj^ 
meter ;  millimeter,  ^^  meter. 

These  numeral  prefixes  are  the  key  to  the  whole  system,  and  therefore 
should  be  thorotighly  mastered  at  the  outset. 

LINEAR  MEASURE. 

5.  The  unit  of  length  is  the  mster,  which  is  equal  to  39.37  inches  nearly. 
The  divisions  are  the  de&imeter,  cen'timeter,  and  mil'limeter ;  the  multi- 
ples are  the  dek'ameter,  he&tometer,  and  myr'iameter.    (See  p.  8.) 

The  meter,  like  the  English  yard,  is  used  in  measuring  cloths,  laces, 
moderate  distances,  &c. 

For  long  distances  the  kilometer  is  commonly  used  j  but  for  short  or 
minute  distances  the  centimeter  and  millimeter  are  used. 

SQUARE  MEASURE. 

6.  The  unit  for  measuring  ordinary  surfaces  is  the  square  meter.  It  is 
used  in  measuring  flooring,  ceilings,  &c.  j  square  decimeters  and  centim- 
eters are  used  for  minute  surfaces. 

Table, 

100  square  cen'timeters  make  one  square  dec'iraeter      =    15.5  sqnare  inches. 
100  square  dec'iineters  make  one  square  meter  (sq.  m.)  =    1,550  square  inches. 

7.  The  UNIT  OF  LAND  MEASURE  is  the  are,  and  is  equal  to  a  square 
dekameter,  or  119.6  square  yards.  The  only  subdivision  of  the  are  is  the 
cen'tare;  and  the  only  multiple  is  the  he&iare.    Thus: 

100  centares  (square  meters)  make  one  are  (ar)  =  119.6  sq.  yards. 
100  ars  make  one  hectar  =:  2.471  acres. 

The  term  ar  is  from  the  Latin  area,  a  surface.  In  square  measure  it 
takes  100  units  of  a  lower  denomination  to  make  one  in  the  next  higher; 
it  follows,  therefore,  that  each  denomination  must  have  two  places  of  fig- 
ures.   In  this  respect  centars  correspond  to  cents. 

CUBIC  MEASURE. 

8.  The  UNIT  for  measuring  ordinary  solids  is  the  miMc  meter. 


Table. 

1,000  cubic  millimeters  make  one  cubic  cen'timeter  = 
1,000  cubic  cen'timeters  make  one  cubic  decimeter  = 

1|000  cubic  decimeters  make  one  cubic  meter  (cu.  m.)  =  ^ 


0.061  cubic  inches. 
61.027  cubic  inches. 
35.317  cubic  feet. 

1.308  cubic  yards. 


^1  y 


<i  V 


^1  V 


<l  > 


i 


i 


-( 


y 


V 


V 


^1  y 


METRIC   SYSTEM. 


33 


The  cubic  meter  is  used  in  measuring  embankments,  excavations,  &c. ; 
cubic  centimeters  and  millimeters  for  minute  bodies. 

Since  it  takes  1,000  units  of  a  lower  denomination  in  cubic  measure 
to  make  one  of  the  next  higher,  it  is  plain  that,  like  mills,  each  denom- 
ination requires  three  places  of  ngures. 

9.  The  UNIT  OF  WOOD  measure  is  called  the  ster,  and  is  equal  to 
cubie  meter,  or  35.317  cubic  feet.  The  only  subdivision  of  the  ster  is  the 
de&ister  ;  and  the  only  multiple,  the  dek' aster, 

10  declsters  make  one  ster  (at.) 
10  steres  make  one  dek'aster. 

The  term  stere  is  from  the  Greek  stereos,  solid. 

DRY  AND  LIQUID  MEASURE. 

10.  The  unit  of  dry  and  liquid  measure  is  the  liter,  which  is  equal  to 
a  cubic  decimeter,  or  1.0567  wine  quarts.  The  divisions  are  the  de&iliter, 
cen'tiUter,  and  miVliliter;  the  multiples,  the  dek'aliter,  he&toliter,  and 
kiVoliter, 

Dry  measure.  Liquid  measure. 

10  mil'-li-li-ters  make  one  cen'-ti-U-ier  (cl.)  ==  0.6103  cubic  inch,    or  0.338  fluid  ounce. 
10  cen'-ti-li-ters  make  one  dec'-i-li-ter        =   6. 1027  cubic  inches,  or  0.845   gill 
10  dec'-i-li-ters  make  one  Liter  (L.)  =   0.908    quart,         or     1.0567  pints. 

10  h -ters  make  one  dek'-a-U-ter  =  9.08     quarts,        or     2.6418  gallons.* 

10dek'a-li-tersmakeonehec'to-li-ter(hl.)=  2.8379  bushels,      or   264.19    gallous  * 
10  hec'-to-li-ters  make  one  kil'-o-li-ter        =28.379   bushels,      or    264.19   gallons.* 

The  term  liter  is  from  the  Greek  litra,  a  weight.    It  is  commonly  used 
in  measuring  wine,  milk,  &c.,  in  moderate  quantities.    For  minute  quan- 
tities, the  centiliter  and  milliliter  are  employed :  and  for  large  quantities 
the  dekaliter,  ' 

For  measuring  grain,  &c.,  the  hectoliter  =  2.8375  bushels  is  commonly 
used. 

Instead  of  the  kiloliter  and  milliliter  it  is  customary  to  use  cubic  meters 
and  cubic  centimeters,  which  are  their  equals. 

WEIGHT. 

11.  The  unit  of  weight  is  the  gram  =  15.432  grains.  The  divisions  are 
the  de&igram,  cen'tigram,  and  miVligram-,  the  multiples  the  dek'agram, 
he&togram,  kiVogram,  myr^iagram,  quin'tal,  and  miVlier  or  ton'neau. 

The  following  table  is  used  in  computing  the  weight  of  all  objects 
from  the  least  atom  to  the  largest  known  body: 


10  mil'ligrams  make  one  cen'tigram 
10  cen'tigrams  make  one  dec'igram 
10  dee'igrams  make  one  Gram 
10  grams  make  one  dek'agram 
10  dekfagrama  make  one  hec'togram 
10  hec'tograms  make  one  kiVogram 
10  kil'ograms  make  one  myr'iagram 
10  myr'iagrams  make  one  quin'tal 


0.1543  grain. 

1.5432  grains. 
15.432  grains. 

0.3527  ounce 

3.5274  ounces  avoirdupois. 

2.2046  pounds  avoirdupois. 
22.046   pounds  avoirdupois. 
220.46     pounds  avoirdupois. 


avoirdupois. 


10  quin'tals  make  one  Ton'ne  (T.)  =2,204.6       pounds  avoirdupois'. 

The  gram  is  derived  from  the  Greek  gramma,  a  rule  or  standard,  and 
is  equal  to  a  cubic  centimeter  of  distilled  water  in  a  vacuum,  at  its  great- 
est density,  that  is,  at  the  temperature  of  4P  by  the  centigrade  ther- 
mometer, or  39.20  Fahrenheit. 

The  common  unit  for  weighing  groceries  and  coarse  articles  is  the  Ml- 


H.  Rep.  14 3 


*  United  States  gallons. 


34 


METRIC    SYSTEM. 


METRIC   SYSTEM. 


35 


ogramme,  which  is  equal  to  2.2046  pounds  avoirdupois,  as  shown  by  the 
table  above. 

IklETRIC  NOTATION  AND  NUMERATION. 

12.  To  EXPRESS  METRIC  WEIGHTS  AND  IVIEASURES  DECIMALLY,  IN 
TERMS  OF  ANY  GIVEN  DENOMINATION,  we  give  the  following 

Bule, 

Write  the  several  denominations  one  after  another  in  their  order^and 
place  a  decimal  point  beticeen  the  given  denomination  and  those  helow  it 

Example.— Exurem  7  myriameters,  5  kilometers,  0  hectometers,  2 
dekameters,  3  meters,  4  decimeters,  8  centimeters,  and  9  millimeters,  in 
terms  of  a  meter. 

Anah/sis.—As  we  have  seen,  the  metric  system  is  founded  upon  the 
Arabic' notation,  the  denominations  of  the  former  corresponding  with 
the  orders  ot  the  latter.  Hence,  metric  weights  and  measures,  like  our 
United  States  money,  are  written  as  whole  numbers  and  decimals  of 

the  denomination  which  is  taken  for  the  unit,  as  in  the  following— 

« 

table. 


eg 

as 

§ 

H 


p 


• 
5 

OD 

• 

1 

• 

• 

an 

pd 

'd 

*■» 

CD 

-M 

-M 

sa 

g 

fl 

^ 

O 

.a 

7      6      0      2 


g    M    W    P    a    I 


8 


S 


s 


-< 


The  result  is  75023.489  meters.  If  expressed  in  centimeters  the  answer 
wilt  be  7502348.9  centimeters;  if  in  kilometers  the  answer  will  be 
75.023489. 

Should  any  intervening  denominations  be  omitted  in  the  given  num- 
ber their  phices  must  be  supplied  by  ciphers. 

As  each  denomination  in  square  measure  occupies  two  places  of  figures, 
in  writing  square  decimeters,  &c.,  as  decimals,  if  the  number  is  less  than 
10  a  cipher  must  be  prefixed  to  the  figure  denoting  them.  Thus,  13  square 
meters  and  5  square  decimeters  =  13.05  square  meters. 

In  like  manner,  in  writing  c^ihic  decimeters,  &c.,  as  decimals,  if  the 
number  is  less  than  10,  two  ciphers  must  be  prefixed  to  it.  Thus,  25 
cubic  meters  and  3  cubic  decimeters  =  25.003  cubic  meters. 

Hence,  metric  weights  and  measures  expressed  in  terms  of  a  single  de- 
nomination, are  read  in  the  same  manner  as  tchole  numbers  and  decimals, 

REDUCTION  OF  METRIC  WEIGHTS  AND  MEASURES. 
13.  To  REDUCE  HIGHER  METRIC  DENOMINATIONS  TO  LOWER,  we  have 

the  following 


y 


OPERATION. 

75.4354  Am. 
10(X) 


Rule, 

V  Multiply  the  given  denomination  by  10, 100,  1000,  &c,,  as  tlie  case  may 

r"  require,  and  point  off  as  many  figures  for  decimals  as  there  are  decimal 
places  in  both  factors. 

Example. — ^Reduce  75.4354  kilometers  to  meters. 

Analysis. — Since  it  takes  10  of  a  loicer  denomination  to  make  a  unit  of 
the  next  higher,  it  is  plain  that  to  reduce  a  higher  denom- 
ination to  the  next  lower,  we  must  multiply  it  by  10;  to  re- 
duce it  to  the  next  lower  still,  we  must  multiply  it  again 
by  10,  and  so  on.  But  from  kilometers  to  meters  there  are 
three  denominations;  we  therefore  multiply  by  1,000,  or 
remove  the  decimal  point  three  places  to  the  right.  (See  75435.4000  w. 
Thompson's  New  Practical  Arithmetic,  art.  181.) 

It  should  be  remembered  that  in  the  metric  system  each  denomination 
of  square  measure  occupies  the  i)lace  ot  two  figures;  and  each  denomina- 
tion of  cubic  measure,  the  place  of  three  figures. 

Reduce  35.25  hectars  to  square  meters. 

Reduce  450  kilograms  to  grammes. 

Reduce  325.12  hectoliters  to  liters. 

Reduce  1852  ars  to  square  meters. 

Reduce  2765  cubic  meters  to  cubic  decimeters. 

Reduce  8426.75  kilograms  to  grams. 

14.  To  REDUCE  LOWER  METRIC  DENOMINATIONS  TO  HIGHER,  we  have 

the  following 

Bule. 

Divide  the  given  denomination  by  10,  100,  1000,  &c.,  as  the  ca^e  may  re- 
quire,  and  move  the  decimal  point  as  many  places  toward  the  left  as  there 
are  ciphers  in  the  divisor. 


Example. — ^Reduce  65432.1  meters  to  kilometers. 


OPERATION. 


Analysis. — Since  it  takes  10  lower  units  to  make  one 
of  the  next  higher  denomination,  it  follows  that  to      iooo)65432.l  w. 
change  a  term  from  a  lower  to  the  next  higher  denom-      Ans.  65.435:1  km. 
ination,  it  must  be  divided  by  10 ;  to  change  to  the  next  higher  still,  it 
must  be  again  divided  by  10,  and  so  on. 

From  meters  to  kilometers  there  are  three  denominations;  we  there- 
fore divide  by  1000  or  remove  the  decimal  point  three  places  to  the  left, 
as  in  the  above  operation. 

Reduce  876543  square  meters  to  hectars.    (See  table,  p.  28.) 

Reduce  39  meters  to  kilometers. 

Red  Tce  3456.78  grammes  to  kilograms. 

Reduce  93625.7  liters  to  kiloliters. 

15.  Approximate  valutes. 

In  comparing  metric  weights  and  measures  with  those  now  in  use,  the 
approximate  rcUues  are  often  convenient.  Thus,  when  no  gieat  accuracy 
is  required,  we  may,  for  all  practical  purposes,  consider — 

One  decimeter       =4  inches.  Owe  cu.  met.  or  ster  :=l^cn.  yd.,or^c«trtl. 

One  meter  =  39.37  iuclies.  One  liter  =  1  quart. 

Five  nietcrs  =  1  rod.  One  hectoliter  :=  2|  bushels. 

One  kiloiiuter       =fmile.  Onesmui  =15^  grains. 

One  sqiiure  meter  =  lOf  square  feet.  One  kilogram  =  2^  pouuds. 

One  lu'ctar  =  2^  acres.  One  millier,  or  ton  =  2200  i^ounds. 


36 


METRIC    SYSTEM. 


APPLICATION  OF  METRIC  WEIGHTS  AND  MEASURES. 


METRIC    SYSTEM. 


37 


16.  To  ADD,  SUBTRACT,  MULTIPLY,  AND  DIVIDE   METRIC  WEIGHTS     y 

AND  MEASURES,  we  have  the  following  ^ 

« 

Bute. 

Express  the  numhers  decimally,  and  proceed  as  in  the  corresponding  oper- 
ation of  whole  numbers  and  decimals. 

Examples. 

1.  What  is  the  sum  of  7358.356  meters  +  8.614  hectometers  +  95  mil- 
liiTie  tiers  ? 
/Soii^hon.— 7358.356  m.  +  861.4  m.  +  .095  =  8219.851  m.  Answer. 

Or  it  may  be  stated  thus : 

7358.356  V 

861.4  A 

.095 


8219.851.  Ans. 

2.  What  is  the  difference  between  8.5  kilograms  and  976  grammes  ? 
8olutim.—S.5  —  .976  ==  7.524  kilos.  Ans. 
Ov  it  may  be  stated  thus : 

8.500  Idlos. 
.976  kUo. 


7.524  kilos.  Ans. 

3.  How  much  silk  is  there  in  12 J  pieces,  each  containing  48.75  meters!  V 
Solutim.—^^.l^  m.  x  12.5  =  609.375  m.  Ans. 
Ch*  it  may  be  stated  thus : 

48.75 
12.5 


24375 
9750 
4875 


< 


609.375  m.  Ans. 

4.  How  many  suits,  each  containing  5.68  meters,  can  be  made  from 
426  meters  of  cloth  ! 
Solution. — 426  -r  5.68  m.  =  75  suits.  Ans. 
Or  it  may  be  stated  thus : 

5.68)426.00(75  suits.  Ans. 
3976 


/ 


2840 
2840 


17.  To  REDUCE  METRIC  TO  COMMON  WEIGHTS  AND  MEASURES,  We 

have  the  following 

Rule. 

Multiply  the  value  of  the  principal  unit  of  the  table  by  the  given  metric 
number  ;  but  before  multiplying,  the  metric  number  should  be  reduced  to 


the  same  denomination  as  the  prin^cipal  unit,  whose  value  is  taken  for 
the  multiplicand. 

\        Example. — ^Reduce  5.6  meters  to  inches. 

Analysis. — Since  there  are  in  one  meter  39.37  inches,  in  5.6  meters 
there  are  5.6  times  39.37  in. — 

39.37  in. 
5.6  in. 


y 


23622 
19685 

.    220.472  in.  Ans. 

In  45  kilograms  how  many  pounds  ? 
Solution.—^  kilos  X  2.2046=99.2070  lbs.  Ans. 
Or  it  may  thus  be  stated : 

2.2046 
45 


110230 

88184 


99.2070  lbs.  Ans. 

In  63  kilometers,  how  many  miles  ?    ( See  Table  of  linear  measure,  p.  28. ) 
Reduce  75  liters  to  gallons.    (See  Table  of  dry  and  liquid  measure,  p.  29.) 
Reduce  56  dekaliters  to  bushels.    (See  Ta^le  of  dry  and  liquid  meas- 
ures,  p.  29.) 

Y  Reduce  120  grams  to  ounces.    (See  Table  of  weights,  p.  29.) 
Reduce  137.75  kilograms  to  pounds.    (See  Table  of  weights,  p.  29.) 
In  36  ares,  how  many  square  rods  1 

Analysis, — Since  there  are  119.6  square  yards  in  one  ar,  in  36  ars  there 
are  36  times  119.6  square  yards.  Now,  119.6x36=4305.6  square  yards, 
and  4305.6  square  yards 4- 30 J  square  yards =142.33  square  rods.  Ans. 

V  In  60.25  hectars,  how  many  acres  ? 

In  120  cubic  meters,  how  many  cubic  feet  f 

18.  To  REDUCE  COMMON  TO  METRIC  WEIGHTS  AND  MEASURES,  we 

have  the  following 

Rule. 

f       Divide  the  given  number  by  the  value  of  the  principal  metric  unit  of  the 
table. 

'  Before  dividing,  however,  the  given  number  should  be  reduced  to  the 
lowest  denomination  it  contains ;  then  to  the  denomination  in  which  the 
value  of  the  principal  unit  is  expressed. 

Example, — ^Reduce  213  feet  4  inches  to  meters. 

Analysis, — ^213  feet  4  inches  =  2560  inches.     Ifow, 
in  39.37  inches  there  is  one  meter;  therefore,  in  2560 
inches  there  are  as  many  meters  as  39.37  inches  con- 
tained times  in  2560 ;    hence,  2560  -^  39.37  =  65.02    Ana.    65.02  +  m. 
meters. 

In  63 J  yards,  how  many  meters  ! 

In  13750  pounds,  how  many  kilograms  ! 

In  250  quarts,  how  many  liters  ? 

In  20563  bushels,  how  many  kiloliters  ! 


OPERATION. 


39.37)2560.00  in. 


38 


METRIC   SYSTEM. 


METRIC   SYSTEM. 


39 


The  following  are  compact  tables  by  Prof.  Persifor  Frazer,  jr.,  together 
with  examples  of  their  use: 

[Some  tables  for  the  interconTersion  of  metric  and  english  units.] 
By  Persifor  Frazer,  Jr.,  A.  M. 

[Send  before  the  American  Philosophical  Society,  April  5,  18T8.] 

Captain  Kater,  in  1821,  as  a  member  of  the  Royal  Standard's  Commission,  appointed 
in  1818,  made  the  determination  of  the  meter  to  be  39.37079  inches.  This  was  adopted 
by  the  commission  and  was  embodied  into  the  statnte  of  the  British  Parliament  en- 
acted in  1824,  establishing  the  platinum  8taudar<l  meter  in  Paris  as  in  length  equal 
to  39.3708  inches  of  brass  at  the  temperature  of  62P  Fahrenheit,  the  platinum  standard 
being  at  (P  centigrade,  or  32°  Fahrenheit,  the  temperature  of  melting  ice. 

Captain  Rater's  value  was  again  sanctioned  by  law  in  1864.* 

In  1866,  the  Royal  Ordnance  Survey  adopted  1  meter  =  39.370432  inches,  on  the 
authority  of  Col.  (then  Captain)  A.  JR.  Clarke,  superintendent  of  the  office  of  the 
survey  at  Southhampton.  , 

In  i869,  the  more  recent  Royal  Standard's  Commission,  under  the  presidency  of  As-      /^ 
tronomer  Royal  Airey,  reported  comi»arative  tables,  founded  on  Rater's  value,  which      \ 
were  published  in  a  parliamentary  blue  book,  and  may  be  found  at  the  end  of  the 
second  report  of  the  Royal  Standard's  Commission,  published  in  that  year.t 

The  subjoined  work  was  undertaken  to  supply  a  want  which  every  physicist  and 
chemist,  and,  indeed,  very  many  artisans  and  manufacturers  have  felt,  for  a  set  of 
convenient  and  consistent  tables  for  converting  various  values  of  measure  and  weight 
from  one  into  the  other  of  the  two  systems  between  which  at  present  the  calculations 
of  the  greater  part  of  the  civilized  world,  both  in  science  and  in  trade,  are  divided. 

Every  one  knows  that  a  multitude  of  tables  for  this  object  are  already  in  exist- 
ence, yet  it  must  be  ai)parent  to  any  one  who  has  compared  them  together  that  there 
are  generally  discrepancies  between  them. 

For  instance,  three  authorities  which  should  command  the  confidence  of  scientific 
men  gave  the  following  values : 


Grains  in  a  pram 

Cubic  meters  in  1  cubic  foot 

Tonnes  in  a  ton 

Kilos  i>er  square  centimeter  in  one  pound  per  square  inch 


Eankine. 


15. 43235 
0. 0283153 
1. 01605 
.0703095 


Crookes. 


Eliot  and      y ' 
Stover.     ^ 


15. 438395 
0. 028314 
1. 015«}49 
.  0702774 


15.4346 


/ 


Only  three  authorities  are  here  quoted,  but  the  number  might  be  almost  indefinitely     / 
increased.     It  is  true  that  for  most  purposes  these  diflferences,  being  less  than  one  hun-     \ 
dredth  of  one  per  cent.,  would  not  seriously  affect  the  results;  but  there  are  problems 
continually  occurring  where  some  recognized  equivalent  is  most  desirable,  and  still 
a  greater  nnml>er  where  it  is  desirable  that  all  the  diverse  terras  employed  should  have 
been  obtained  from  the  same  original  unit  and  by  the  same  methods. 

It  would  be  far  better  that  all  the  English-speaking  world  should  accept  a  wrong 
determination  as  the  only  legal  one  than  that  each  person  who  employs  such  reciprocal 
values  should  take  a  dift'ereut  standard,  even  if  one  of  the  number  could  be  ahaoluttly 
right. 

In  all  questions  relating  to  the  value  of  linear,  superficial,  and  cubical  equivalents  of 
the  English  and  metric  units,  including  those  defined  by  law  as  a  certain  whole  num- 
ber and  fraction  of  cubic  inches  or  feet  (e.  g.  the  bushel,  barrel,  stone-perch,  &c.),  the 
determination  of  Kater  has  been  taken  and  squared,  cubed,  multiplied,  and  divided 
until  the  expression  for  the  desired  derivative  of  the  meter  was  obtained  in  terms  of 
some  derivative  of  the  inch,  no  decimals  having  been  omitted  until  the  final  number 
was  reached ;  when  the  shorter  approximate  expression  has  been  substituted  by  an  ^ 
application  of  the  well-known  rules  governing  such  cases.  * 

The  number  of  decimal  places  given  has  been  in  proportion  to  the  importance  of  the 
unit  as  a  base  from  which  to  calculate  other  values.  Thus  the  number  of  places  in  the 
grain-gram  equivalents  is  eleven  (as  in  the  report  of  Mr.  Upton,  from  which  it  was 
taken),  whilst  the  rood-ar,  being  less  frequently  used  and  especially  being  of  less  im- 

*  When  the  use  of  the  metric  system  was  rendered  permissive  in  Great  Britain  so 
far  as  related  to  contracts. 

t  Extracts  from  a  private  letter  from  President  F.  A.  P.  Barnard,  of  Columbia  Col- 
lege, New  York. 


y 


<l  > 


> 


> 


y 


> 


portance  as  a  base  from  which  to  derive  other  values,  is  given  in  five  and  six  places, 
respectively. 

This  method  of  separate  calculation  from  the  fundamental  inch-meter  value  has  been 
employed  for  each  of  the  above-mentioned  kinds  of  dimensions,  and  the  value  of  the 
metric  unit  in  the  inch  derivative  has  been  converted  into  the  reciprocal  or  inch  de- 
rivative unit  by  simply  dividing  the  whole  decimal  into  one  and  shortening  as  before. 
This  is  obviously  to  be  preferred  to  taking  the  reciprocal  of  the  legal  value  of  the  meter 
in  inches,  as  the  base  of  the  calculation. 

Crookes  (Select  Method  of  Chemical  Analysis)  was  drawn  on  for  the  form  of  express- 
ing the  Fahrenheit  in  the  centigrade  degree.  Rankine  is  responsible  for  the  statement 
of  the  relation  between  English  heat  units  and  French  calories,  but  both  have  been 
verified. 

In  weight,  the  fundamental  units  (the  value  of  the  gram  in  grains)  is  taken  from 
the  report  of  Mr.  Upton  (chief  clerk  of  the  Treasury)  to  Hon.  John  Sherman,  Secre- 
tary, March  26,  1878,  and  from  this  value  all  the  others  were  calculated. 

In  fine,  all  the  values  here  appended  have  been  as  carefully  as  possible  revised  by 
the  author,  and,  in  addition,  have  had  the  benefit  of  the  very  valuable  criticism  and 
corrections  of  Professor  Chase,  of  Haverford  College,  and  of  President  Barnard,  of  Col- 
umbia College,  the  latter  of  whom  has  conferred  greater  security  in  verifying  them  by 
the  calculating  machine. 

In  the  case  of  linear  units,  four  of  those  most  constantly  recurring  were  selected,  and 
the  values  of  one  up  to  nine  times  each  unit  are  given  in  terms  of  the  other.  This 
method,  which  is  employed  in  Crookes'  ''  Select  Methods  of  Chemical  Analysis"  (Lon- 
don, 1871),  permits  any  decimal  multiple  or  fraction  of  one  unit  to  be  obtained  with 
great  accuracy  in  terms  of  the  other,  by  a  change  of  the  decimal  point  and  a  simple 
addition. 

Thus,  if  it  be  required  to  find  the  number  of  inches  in  348^  centimeters,  the  fraction 

would  first  be  written  decimally,  348.16.    The  value  in  inches  of  three  centimeters  is 

1.181124. 

Inches. 

300  centimeters  would  equal 118.1124 

40  centimeters  would  equal - 15.74832 

8  centimeters  would  equal 3.149663 

0.1  centimeters  would  equal 0.03937079 

0.06  centimeters  would  equal 0.02362247 

_^___  ^ — 

348.16  centimeters  would  equal 137.07337626 

For  area,  capacity,  and  weight,  the  value  of  only  one  unit  of  each  is  given  in  terms 
of  the  other,  and  a  simple  multiplication  will  give  any  number  of  times  such  an  unit. 

The  value  of  the  meter  in  inches  is  given  by  Mr.  Upton,  chief  clerk  of  Treasury  De- 
partment, in  the  report  before  mentioned,  as  39.370432,  and,  consequently,  the  values 
here  given  do  not  agree  with  those  for  length,  area,  smface,  or  capacity  in  that  report. 

The  same  unit  which  he  gives  for  the  gram  in  grains  is  adopted  here,  so  that  the 
column  of  weights  should  accord. 


40 


METRIC   SYSTEM. 

Tables  for  the  inUrconversion  of  English  and  metric  units. 

By  Pebsifor  Fbazer,  Jr.,  A.  M. 
[Presented  to  Am.  Philosophical  Society,  April  5,  1878.] 


1  cnbic  inch  water  weighs  =  252.7574  grains. 
At  max.  deng.,  bar.  30  in.,  airG2°  F.  (Barnard). 
1  cubic  foot  water  weighs  =  62.3949696  lbs. 
1  cwt.  (112  lbs.)  =  50.80238    kilos. 

Quarter  (28  lbs.)  =12.700595     " 

ih^ichm  =    1.77185  grams. 


T.TNEAL  UNITS. 

Inches. 

Centimeters. 

Feet. 

Meters. 

0.3937079 

-"* 

1 

1 

= 

0.3047945 

1 

—^ 

2.539954 

3.2809 

•"3r 

1 

0.787416 

z= 

2 

.    2 

: — 

0.6095890 

2 

•"~— 

5.0799 

6.5618 

= 

2 

1.181124 

— 

3 

3 

^~z 

0.9143835 

3 

=r 

7.6199 

9.8427 

= 

3 

1.574832 

r= 

4 

4 

z=z 

1.2191780 

4 

z:^ 

10.1598 

13.1236 



4 

1.968539 

::= 

5 

5 

:=: 

1.5239724 

5 

^^ 

12.6998 

16.4045 

zzr 

5 

2.362247 

— 

6 

6 

—"- 

1.8287669 

6 

= 

15.2397 

19.6854 

= 

6 

2.755955 

= 

7 

7 

= 

2.1335614 

7 

= 

17.7797 

22.9663 

= 

7 

3.149663 

— 

8 

8 

-— ■• 

2.4383559 

8 

=: 

20.3196 

26.2472 

= 

8 

3.543371 

^^ 

9 

9 

= 

2.7431504 

9 

= 

22.8596 

29.5281 

= 

9 

LINEAL  UNITS. 

- 

Yards. 

Meters. 

Miles. 

Kilometers. 

1 

"^ 

0.9143835 

0.6214 

— 

1 

1.093633 

— 

1 

1 

= 

1.6093 

2 

= 

L8287669 

1.2428 

— 

2 

2.1873 

= 

2 

2 

— 

3.2186 

3 

:= 

2.7431504 

1.8641 

= 

3 

3.2809 



3 

3 

= 

4.8279 

4 

~— 

3.6575340 

2.4855 

= 

4 

4.3745 

=• 

4 

4 

— ~ 

6.4373 

5 

= 

4.5719174 

3.1069 

"^^ 

5 

5.4682 

___. 

5 

5 

= 

8.0466 

6 

_^_ 

5.4863009 

3.7283 

= 

6 

8.5818 

= 

6 

6 

— : 

9.6559 

7 

= 

6.4006845 

4.3497 

= 

7 

7.6554 

•^— 

7 

7 

= 

11.2652 

8 

— 

7.315068 

4.9711 

— 

8 

8.7491 

z= 

8 

8 

= 

12.8745 

9 

= 

8.2294514 

5.5924 

= 

9 

9.8427 

= 

9 

9 

= 

14.4838 

AREA. 


Sq.  inch.  Sq.  centimeter. 

1         =    6.451367 
0.1550059  =  1 


Sq.  yard.         Sq.  meter. 
1         =    0.8360972 
1.19603326=  1 


Hood. 

1 
0.098845 


=  10.11678 
=  1 


Sq.  feet. 

1 
10.76393 


Sq.  meter. 
-  0.09290 
1 


Sq.  yard. 

1 
119.603326 


Ar. 
0.00836097 
1 


Acre.  Hectar. 

1         =  0.404671 
2.471143   =         1 


THBBMOMETER. 

Fahrenheit    Centigrade 
deffreeis.         degrees. 
1         =    0.55.556 
1.8       =  1 


HEAT  UKITB.     CALORIES. 

1  lb.  water,  1  kilogram 
1°  Fah.  water,  1°  Cent. 
3.96832     =         1 
1         =  0.251996 


CAPACITY. 


OvMc  Cubic 

inches,      centimeters. 
1         =  16.38617589 
0.06102705152  =      1 


Cub.  ft.    Cub.  m.  (stere). 

1        =    0.028315 
35.31658     =  1 


Minim.     Cub.  cent.  M. 

1         =  0.0616082 
16.23158     =  1 


U.  S.  pirtt  Liter. 

'      (loine).         ' 

1         =  0.47315083 
2.1134908  =  1 


U.  S.  wine  bl.      Liter. 
(31.5  pafe.). 

1         =  119.234017 
0.00838686  =  1 


U.S.  bush.     Liter. 
(2150.42 ctt.  in.). 

1  =35.2371556 

0.028379135=  1 


Cubic  Cubic  deci- 

foot.         meter  (liter). 
1         =    28.315312 
0.03531658  =  1 


Cubic  Cubic  meter 

yard.  (stere). 

1  =  0.764513470 

1.3080215  =           1 


Fluid  oz. 

1 
0.033815 


Cub.  cent.  M. 
=  29.5719289 
=  1 


U.  S.  gal. 
(231  Ctt.  tn.) 

1        = 
0.264186     = 


Liter. 

3.7852067 
1 


Gal.  (imp.).       Liter. 

1         =    4.54345728 
0.2200967   =  1 


Cord. 

1 

0.275911 


Stere  (cubic 

meter). 
=    3.624360 
1 


Solid  perch  (25  cuJb.  ft.). 

1 

1.412663 


Cubic  meter  (ster). 

0.7078828 

1 


WEIGHT. 


Lbs.  to 
foot. 
1 
0.6719572 


Kilos  to 
meter. 
1.48819 

1 


Grains.  Grams. 

1      =  0.06479895036 
15.43234874  =         1 


Oz.  (av.). 

1 
0.035274 


Grammes. 
=  28.349541 
=  1 


Pounds  to 
sq.ineh. 

1 
14.22282 


Kilos  to  sq. 

centimeter. 

0.703096 

1 


Lbs.  (av.).  Kilogrammes. 
1         =  0.453592653 
2.2046212   =  1 


Lbs.(troy).  Kilogrammes. 
1         =  0.373241954 
2.679227     =  1 


Toru. 

Long  (2240  ll»8.) 
Short  (2000  lbs.) 
Long,  0.9842059? 
Short,  1.1023106  5 


Tonnes  (1000  hUos). 
1.0160475 
0.9071853 


Grs.  per     Milligrams 
TT.  S.  gallon,    per  liter. 
1         =  17.1189987 
0.05841463  =  1 


Foot, 
lbs. 
1 
7.23314 


Kilogram- 
eter. 
=    0.138253 
=  1 


^1  V 


-< 


< 


y 


y 


METRIC   SYSTEM. 


CONCLUSION. 


4f 


The  grand  object  of  this  metrological  reform  may  be  stated  in  three 
words:  1.  Uniformity;  2.  Permanency;  3.  Universality. 

The  nomenclature  of  the  metric  system  we  consider  is  not  only 
unrivaled  in  respect  to  precision,  significance,  brevity,  and  completeness, 
but  being  derived  from  the  two  ancient  classic  languages,  it  becomes 
cosmopolitan  in  character.  As  soon  as  the  values  of  the  four  base  units 
are  fixed  in  the  mind,  the  values  of  all  the  derivative  units,  being  formed 
by  multiplying  or  dividing  the  base  by  ten,  are  at  once  apprehended. 

From  the  survey  we  have  been  able  to  make  of  the  more  recent  prog- 
ress of  this  metrological  reform  in  the  more  civilized  and  enlightened 
portions  of  the  globe,  we  are  irresistibly  led  to  the  conclusion  that  the 
metric  system  of  weights  and  measures  is  destined  to  become  in  the 
near  future  universal  among  aU  the  ci\ilized  nations  of  the  world.  Its 
adoption  in  the  United  States,  and  its  obligatory  use  in  all  the  govern- 
ment departments,  is  believed  to  be  by  many  a  fixed  fact  at  no  very 
distant  day.  As  an  earnest  of  this  fact,  we  call  your  attention  to  the 
accompanying  reports  of  the  several  heads  of  the  executive  departments 
of  the  government,  as  to  the  periods  of  time  it  would  be  advisable  to 
adopt  the  system  in  their  several  bureaus. 

Why,  then,  we  would  most  respectfully  inquire,  should  this  country 
longer  remain  inditterent  to  its  adoption,  when  our  commercial  relations 
with  France,  the  Germanic  Empire,  Portugal,  Belgium,  Holland,  Spain, 
Italy,  Austria,  Turkey,  Sweden,  Eomania,  Moldavia^allachia,  Swit- 
zerland, Denmark,  Greece,  Mexico,  and  the  South  American  States,  and 
their  dependencies  or  colonies;  countries  which  have  already  adopted 
the  metric  system  exclusively,  render  it  necessary  in  our  intercourse 
with  these  nations  to  use  this  system  in  all  our  sales  and  purchases  ! 
The  magnitude  of  these  transactions  in  commerce,  and  the  intimate 
social  relations  between  these  peoples  and  the  United  States,  combine  to 
render  the  early  adoption  of  the  system  in  this  country  imperative. 

Quite  fifty  years  ago,  when  this  system  of  metrology  was  struggling 
for  existence  in  the  country  which  gave  it  birth,  John  Quincy  Adams 
said  of  it : 

The  French  system  embraces  all  the  great  and  important  principles  of  unifonnity 
which  can  be  applied  to  weights  and  measures.  *  *  *  It  is  a  system  adapted  by 
the  highest  efforts  of  human  science,  ingenuity,  and  skill,  to  the  common  i)urpo8es  of 
all.  Considered  merely  as  a  labor-saving  machine,  it  is  a  new  power  offered  to  man, 
incomparably  greater  than  that  which  he  has  acquired  by  the  agency  which  he  has 
given  to  steam.  It  is  in  design  the  greatest  invention  of  human  ingenuity  since  that  of 
printing.     *     *    *    Its  universal  establishment  would  be  a  universal  blessing. 

Indeed,  the  metric  system  has  received  the  support  of  statesmen  and 
the  earnest  sanction  of  scientists  both  in  the  New  and  the  Old  World  for 
the  past  half  century  or  more ;  and  we  cannot  therefore  longer  treat  with 
indiiierence  the  numerous  appeals  that  are  being  made  te  Congress,  from 
time  to  time,  by  the  scientific  and  business  men  of  the  country,  urging 
the  adoption  of  the  system  in  such  departments  of  the  government,  at 
least,  as  have  the  largest  relations  with  those  countries  and  nations 
which  have  already  adopted  it  in  whole  or  in  part,  as  an  earnest  of  our 
purpose  to  adopt  it  in  whole  in  all  government  transactions,  so  soon  as 
our  people  are  educated  up  te  that  point  in  its  use  that  they  will  prefer 
the  new  to  the  existing  system. 

At  the  last  session  of  Congress  upwards  of  $17,000  was  appropriated 
for  rent  of  buildings  for  the  safe-keeping  and  preservation  of  finished 
weights,  measures,  balances,  and  metric  standards,  and  to  meet  treaty 
obligations  arising  from  a  convention  for  the  establishment  and  main- 


42 


METRIC   SYSTEM. 


tenance  of  an  international  bureau  of  weights  and  measures  at  or  near 
Paris,  France ;  and  further,  to  utilize  the  standard  metric  weights  and 
measures  furnished  the  several  States,  by  act  of  Congress. 

To  encourage  the  adoption  of  the  metric  system  the  committee  recom- 
mended the  passage  of  the  following  bill,  namely : 

A  1)111  to  enable  importers  to  use  the  metric  weights  and  measures. 

Be  it  enacted  hy  the  Senate  and  House  of  Representatives  of  the  United  States  of  America 
Ui  Congress  assembledj  That  the  a4  quantum  duties  upon  all  articles  ira])orted  from  foreign 
countries  which  are  invoiced  according  to  the  weights  and  measures  of  the  metric 
system  shall  be  levied,  collected,  and  paid  at  rates  appropriate  to  the  weights  and 
measures  of  said  system  ;  that  is  to  s.iy : 

The  rate  per  gramme  shall  be  3.5  per  cent,  of  the  rate  per  ounce  avoirdupois,  or  3.2 
per  cent,  of  the  rate  per  ounce  troy. 

The  rate  per  kilogramme  shall  be  two  and  two-tenths  times  the  rate  per  pound. 

Tlie  rate  per  metric  ton  shall  be  twenty-two  times  the  rate  per  hundred  pounds,  or 
nineteen  and  six-tenths  times  the  rate  per  huntlred  and  twelve  pounds,  or  98  per  cent. 
of  the  rate  per  twenty-two  hundred  and  forty  pounds. 

The  rate  x>er  lineal  meter  shall  be  109  per  centum  of  the  rate  per  lineal  yard. 

The  rate  per  square  meter  shall  be  119  per  cent,  of  the  rate  per  square  yard,  or  ten 
and  seveu-tenths  times  the  rate  per  square  foot. 

The  rate  jMsr  hundred  square  meters  shall  be  107  per  cent,  of  the  rate  per  thousand 
square  feet. 

The  rate  per  liter  shall  be  26  per  cent,  of  the  rate  per  gallon. 

The  rate  per  hectoliter  shall  be  two  and  eight-tenths  times  the  rate  per  bushel. 

The  rate  per  cubic  meter  shall  be  one  and  three-tenths  times  the  rate  per  cubic  yard,  > 
or  thirty-five  times  the  rate  per  cubic  foot :  Provided,  That  when  by  any  provision  of  ^ 
law  the  duties  which  are  to  be  levied,  collected,  and  paid  shall  be  more  or  less  than 
the  duties  and  rates  imposed  in  the  statutoiy  schedule,  such  i)rovision  of  law  shall  be 
applied  in  the  calculation  of  the  rate  to  be  imposed  on  the  metric  denomination:  And 
provided  further,  That  when  the  calculated  rate  exceeds  $1,  the  fraction  of  a  cent,  if 
any,  shall  be  rejected ;  when  it  exceeds  ten  cents,  the  fraction  of  a  mill,  if  any,  shall 
be  rejected ;  and  in  all  cases  a  fraction  of  less  than  one-tenth  of  a  mill  shall  be  re- 
jected, y 

Sec.  2.  That  the  quantity  of  weight,  gauge,  or  measure  stated  in  the  return  of  any      y 
weigher,  ganger,  or  measurer  employed  in  the  service  of  the  customs  revenue  may  "be 
stated  in  metric  denominations ;  and,  if  not  so  stated,  shall  be  reducible  to  such  de- 
nominations according  to  the  equivalents  set  forth  in  section  3570  of  the  Revised 
Statutes. 

This  bill  makes  a  slight  difference  in  favor  of  the  metric  system  by 
avoiding  awkward  fractions  that  would  result  from  using  the  table  of 
equivalents  given  in  the  Revised  Statutes.  The  advantage  thus  given 
is  suflficient,  it  is  believed,  to  induce  importers  to  use  the  metric  system 
in  their  invoices,  and  we  have  no  doubt  that  it  would  result  in  mate- 
rially pi-omoting  the  adoption  of  the  system.  It  would  have  the  effect 
in  course  of  time  to  familiarize  our  merchants  all  over  the  country  with 
it,  and  thus  the  way  would  be  made  for  more  radical  measures  for  its 
adoption. 


Eespectfully  submitted. 


ALEXANDER  H.  STEPHENS, 

Chairman, 
LEVI  MAISH, 
ROBT.  B.  VAl^CE, 
JOHN  B.  CLARK,  Jr.  (Missouri), 
R.  M.  KNAPP, 
H.  L.  MULDROW, 
JOHN  B.  CLARKE  (Kentucky), 
M.  S.  BREWER, 
THOS.  RYAN, 
J.  W.  DWIGHT, 
R.  L.  GIBSON, 
Committee  on  Coinage^  Weights,  and  MeasureH, 


^\  Y 


V 


y 


1'   y 


V 


► 


CHAPTER    II. 

Message  from  the  Pregident  of  the  United  States,  transmitting  a  report  of  a  metric  convention  between 
the  United  States  and  certain  foreign  governments,  signed  at  Paris  on  the  HOth  of  May,  1875. 

Mauch  10,  1876.— Read;  convention  read  the  first  time,  referred  to  the  Committee  on  Foreign  Rela- 
tions, and,  together  with  the  accompanying  papera,  ordered  to  he  printed  in  confidence  for  the  use  of 
the  Senate. 

Washington,  March  10, 1876. 
To  the  Senate  of  the  United  States  : 

I  transmit  to  the  Senate  for  consideration,  with  a  view  to  ratification,  a  metric  con- 
vention between  the  United  States  and  certain  foreign  governments,  signed  at  Paris, 
on  the  20th  of  May,  1875,  by  Mr.  E.  B.  Washburne,  the  minister  of  the  United  States 
at  that  capital,  acting  on  behalf  of  this  government,  and  by  the  representatives  acting 
on  behalf  of  the  foreign  powers  therein  mentioned. 

A  copy  of  certain  papers  on  the  snbject,  mentioned  in  the  subjoined  list,  is  also  trans- 
mitted for  the  information  of  the  Senate. 

U.  S.  GRANT. 


List  of  accompanying  papers, 

1.  Metric  convention,  May  20, 1875 43 

2.  Mr.  Hilgard  to  Mr.  Fish,  December  13,  1872,  with  an  accompaniment 51 

3.  Mr.  Peirce  toMr.  Boutwell,  March  6,  1873 55 

4.  Mr.  Boutwell  to  Professor  Henry,  March  7,  1873,  with  an  accompaniment  ..  55 

5.  Amounts  to  be  contributed  by  the  different  States  toward  the  International 

Bureau  of  Weights  and  Measures 58 

6.  Resolutions  pas^d  by  American  Metrological  Society,  at  New  York,  May 

19,1875 58 

7.  Report  of  committee  of  American  Association  for  the  Advancement  of 

Science,  1875 58 

8.  Mr.  Fish  to  Mr.  Bristow,  February  17, 1876 62 

9.  Mr.  Bristow  to  Mr.  Fish,  March  6,  1876,  with  accompaniment  62 

10.  Report  of  J.  E.  Hilgard,  March  3, 1876 63 


CONVENTION. 

His  Excellency  the  President  of  the  United  States  of  America,  His  Majesty  the  Em- 
peror of  Germany,  His  Majesty  the  Emperor  of  Austria  and  Hungary,  His  Majesty  the 
King  of  the  Belgians,  His  Majesty  the  Emperor  of  Brazil,  His  Excellency  the  President 
of  the  Argentine  Confederation,  His  Majesty  the  King  of  Denmark,  His  Majesty  the 
King  of  Spain,  His  Excellency  the  President  of  the  French  Republic,  His  Majesty  the 
King  of  Italy,  His  Excellency  the  President  of  the  Republic  of  Peru,  His  Majesty  the 
King  of  Portugal  and  the  Algarves,  His  Majesty  the  Emperor  of  all  the  Russias,  His 
Majesty  the  King  of  Sweden  and  Norway,  His  Excellency  the  President  of  the  Swiss 
Confederation,  His  Majesty  the  Emperor  of  the  Ottomans,  and  His  Excellency  the 
President  of  the  Republic  of  Venezuela — 

Desiring  the  international  uniformity  and  precision  in  standards  of  weight  and 
measure,  have  resolved  to  conclude  a  convention  to  this  effect,  and  have  named  as 
their  plenipotentiaries  the  following  : 

His  Excellency  the  President  of  the  United  States  of  America :  Mr.  Elihu  Benjamin 
Washburne,  Envoy  Extraordinary  and  Minister  Plenipotentiary  of  the  United  States 
at  Paris ; 

His  Majesty  the  Emperor  of  Germany :  His  Highness  Prince  Hohenlohe  Schillings- 
furst.  Grand  Cross  of  the  Order  of  the  Red  Eagle  of  Prussia,  and  of  the  Order  of  St. 
Hubert  of  Bavaria,  «&c.,  Sec,  &c.,  His  Ambassador  Extraordinary  and  Plenipotentiary 
at  Paris ; 


44 


METRIC   SYSTEM. 


UETEIC   SYSTEM. 


45 


His  Majesty,  the  Emperor  of  Anstria-Han^ary :  His  Excellency  Count  Apponyl,  His 
Actual  Chamberlain  and  Privy  Counselor,  Knight  of  the  Golden  Fleece,  Grand  Cross 
of  the  Royal  Order  of  St.  Stephen  of  Hungary,  and  of  the  Imperial  Order  of  Leopold, 
&c.,  i&c.,  (fcc,  His  Ambassador  Extraordinary  and  Plenipotentiary  at  Paris; 

His  Majesty  the  King  of  the  Belgians :  Baron  Bergens,  Grand  Officer  of  his  Order  of 
Leopold,  Grand  Officer  of  the  Legion  of  Honor,  &c.,  &c.,  &c.,  His  Envoy  Extraordi- 
nary and  Minister  Plenipotentiary  at  Paris ; 

His  Majesty  the  Emperor  of  Brazil :  Mr.  Marcus  Antonio  d'Aranjo,  Viscount  d'ltajuba, 
Grandee  of  the  Empire,  Member  of  his  Majesty's  Council,  Commander  of  His  Order  of 
Christ,  Grand  Officer  of  the  Legion  of  Honor,  &c.,  &c.,  &c.,  His  Envoy  Extraordinary 
and  Minister  Plenipotentiary  at  Paris  ; 

His  Excellency  the  President  of  the  Argentine  Confederation :  M.  Balcarce,  Envoy 
Extraordinary  and  Minister  Plenipotentiary  of  the  Argentine  Confederation  at  Paris ; 

His  Majesty  the  King  of  Denmark :  Count  de  Moltke-Hoitfeldt,  Grand  Cross  of  the 
Order  of  Danebrog,  and  Decorated  with  the  Cross  of  Honor  of  the  same  Order,  Grand 
Officer  of  the  Legion  of  Honor,  &c.,  &c.,  &c.,  His  Envoy  Extraordinary  and  Minister 
Plenipotentiary  at  Paris ; 

His  Majesty  the  King  of  Spain :  His  Excellency  Don  Mariano  Roca  de  Togores,  Mar- 
quis of  Molins,  Viscount  de  Rocamora,  Grandee  of  Spain  of  the  First  Class,  Knight  of 
the  Renowned  Order  of  the  Golden  Fleece,  Grand  Cross  of  the  Legion  of  Honor,  &c., 
<&c.,  &c.,  Director  of  the  Royal  Spanish  Academy,  His  Ambassador  Extraordinary  and 
Plenipotentiary  at  Paris ;  and  Greneral  Ibaiiez,  Grand  Cross  of  the  Order  of  Isabella 
the  Catholic,  <&c.,  &;c.,  Director  General  of  the  Geographical  and  Statistical  Institute  of 
Spain,  Member  of  the  Academy  of  Sciences; 

His  Excellency  the  President  of  the  French  Republic  :  The  Duke  Decazes,  deputy 
to  the  National  Assembly,  Commander  of  the  Order  of  the  Legion  of  Honor,  &c.,  &c., 
&c.,  Minister  of  Foreign  Affairs  ;  the  Viscount  de  Meaux,  deputy  to  the  National  As- 
sembly, Minister  of  Agriculture  and  of  Commerce ;  and  M.  Dumas,  Perpetual  Secretary 
to  the  Academy  of  Sciences,  Grand  Cross  of  the  Order  of  the  Legion  of  Honor ; 

His  Majesty*  the  King  of  Italy :  The  Chevalier  Coustantino  Nigra,  Knight  of  the 
Grand  Cross  of  his  Orders  of  St.*  Maurice  and  St.  Lazarus,  and  of  the  Crown  of  Italy, 
Grand  Officer  of  the  Legion  of  Honor,  &c.,  &.c,,  <&c.,  his  Envoy  Extraordinary  and  Min- 
ister Plenipotentiary  at  Paris ; 

His  Excellency  the  President  of  the  Republic  of  Peru  :  M.  Pedro  Galvez,  Envoy  Ex- 
traordinary and  Minister  Plenipotentiary  of  Peru  at  Paris;  and  M.  Francisco  de  Rivero, 
formerly  Envoy  Extraordinary  and  Minister  Plenipotentiary  of  Peru ; 

His  Majesty  the  King  of  Portugal  and  of  the  Algarves :  M.  Jos^  de  Silva  Mendes  Seal, 
Peer  of  the  Realm,  Grand  Cross  of  the  Order  of  Saint  James,  Knight  of  the  Order  of 
the  Tower,  and  Sword  of  Portugal,  &c.,  &c.,  &c.,  his  Envoy  Extraordinary  and  Min- 
ister Plenipotentiary  at  Paris ; 

His  Majesty  the  Emperor  of  all  the  Russians :  M.  Gregory  O'Konneff,  Knight  of  the 
Russian  Orders  of  St.  Anne  of  the  tirst  class,  of  St.  Stanislaus  of  the  first  class,  of  St. 
Vladimir  of  the  third.  Commander  of  the  Legion  of  Honor,  Actual  Counselor  of  State, 
Counselor  of  the  Embassy  of  Russia  at  Paris ; 

His  Majesty  the  King  of  Sweden  and  Norway :  Baron  Adelsward,  Grand  Cross  of  the 
Order  of  the  Polar  Star  of  Sweden,  and  of  St.  Olaf  of  Norway,  Grand  Officer  of  the 
Legion  of  Honor,  (&c.,  &c.,  &c.,  his  Envoy  Extraordinary  and  Minister  Plenipotentiary 
at  Paris ; 

His  Excellency  the  President  of  the  Swiss  Confederation :  M.  Jean  Conrad  Kern, 
Envoy  Extraordinary  and  Minister  Plenipotentiary  of  the  Swiss  Confederation  at 
Paris ; 

His  Majesty  the  Emperor  of  the  Ottomans :  Hussey  Bey,  Lieutenant-Colonel  of  Staff, 
wearer  of  a  fonrih-class  decoration  of  the  Imperial  Order  of  Osmania,  of  a  fifth-class 
decoration  of  the  Order  of  Medjidie,  Officer  of  the  Legion  of  Honor,  &.c.,  &c.,  &c. ; 

His  Excellency  the  President  of  the  Republic  of  Venezuela :  Doctor  Eliseo  Acosta, 

Who,  after  having  exhibited  their  full  powers,  which  were  found  to  be  in  good  and 
due  form,  have  agreed  upon  the  following  articles : 

Article  1. 

The  high  contracting  parties  engage  to  establish  and  maintain,  at  their  common  ex- 
pense, a  scientific  and  permanent  international  bureau  of  weights  and  measures,  the 
location  of  which  shall  be  at  Paris. 

Article  2. 

The  French  Government  shall  take  all  the  necessary  measures  to  facilitate  the  pur- 
chase, or,  if  expedient,  the  coostruction  of  a  building,  which  shall  be  especially  devoted 
to  this  purpose,  subject  to  the  conditions  stated  in  the  regulations,  which  are  subjoined 
to  this  convention. 


UY 


<l  > 


< 


-< 


< 


y 


y 


y 


Article  3. 

The  operation  of  the  international  bureau  shall  be  under  the  exclusive  direction  and 
supervision  of  an  international  committee  of  weights  and  measures,  which  latter  shall 
be  under  the  control  of  a  general  conference  for  weights  and  measures,  to  be  composed 
of  the  delegates  of  all  the  contracting  governments. 

Article  4. 

The  general  conference  for  weights  and  measures  shall  be  presided  over  by  the 
president,  for  the  time  being,  of  the  Paris  Academy  of  Sciences. 

Article  5. 

The  organization  of  the  bureau,  as  well  as  the  formation  and  the  powers  of  the 
international  committee,  and  of  the  general  conference  for  weights  and  measures,  are 
established  by  the  regulations  subjoined  to  this  convention. 

Article  6. 

The  international  bureau  of  weights  and  measures  shall  be  charged  with  the  fol- 
lowing duties : 

1st.  All  comparisons  and  verifications  of  the  new  prototypes  of  the  meter  and  kilo- 
gram. 

2d.  The  custody  of  the  international  prot-otypes. 

3d.  The  periodical  comparison  of  the  national  standards  with  the  international  pro 
totypes  and  with  their  test  copies,  as  well  as  comparisons  of  the  standard  therm  ometers 

4th.  The  comparison  of  the  prototypes  with  the  fundamental  standards  of  non- 
metrical  weights  and  measures  used  in  different  countries  for  scientific  purposes. 

5th.  The  standarding  and  comparison  of  geodesic  measuring-bars. 

6th.  The  comparison  of  standards  and  scales  of  precision,  the  verification  of  which 
may  be  requested  by  governments  or  scientific  societies,  or  even  by  constructors  or 
men  of  science. 

Article  7. 

The  persons  composing  the  bureau  shall  be  a  director,  two  assistants,  and  the  neces- 
sary number  of  employes.  When  the  comparisons  of  the  new  prototypes  shall  have 
been  finished,  and  when  these  prototypes  shall  have  been  distributed  among  the  dif- 
ferent states,  the  number  of  persons  composing  the  bureau  shall  be  reduced  so  far  as 
may  be  deemed  expedient. 

The  governments  of  the  high  contracting  parties  will  be  informed  by  the  interna- 
tional committee  of  the  appointment  of  persons  composing  this  bureau. 

Article  8. 

The  international  prototypes  of  the  meter  and  of  the  kilogram,  together  with  the 
test  copies  of  the  same,  shall  be  deposited  in  the  bureau,  and  access  to  them  shall  be 
allowed  to  the  international  committee  only. 

Article  9. 

The  entire  expense  of  the  construction  and  outfit  of  the  international  bureau  of 
weights  and  measures,  together  with  the  annual  cost  of  its  maintenance  and  the  ex- 
penses of  the  committee,  shall  be  defrayed  by  contributions  from  the  contracting 
states,  the  amount  of  which  shall  be  computed  in  proportion  to  the  actual  population 
of  each. 

Article  10. 

The  amounts  representing  the  contributions  of  each  of  the  contracting  states  shall 
be  paid  at  the  beginning  of  each  year,  through  the  ministry  of  foreign  affairs  of 
France,  into  the  Caisse  de  d6pAts  et  consignations  at  Paris,  whence  they  may  be  drawn 
as  occasion  may  require,  upon  the  order  of  the  director  of  the  bureau. 

Article  11. 

Those  governments  that  may  take  advantage  of  the  privilege,  which  is  open  to 
every  state,  of  acceding  to  this  convention,  shall  be  required  to  pay  a  contribution, 
the  amount  of  which  shall  be  fixed  by  the  committee  on  the  basis  established  in  arti- 
cle 9,  and  which  shall  be  devoted  to  the  improvement  of  the  scientific  apparatus  of 
the  bureau. 


46 


METRIC   SYSTEM. 


i 


METRIC    SYSTEM. 


47 


Article  12. 

The  high  contracting  parties  reserve  to  themselves  the  power  of  introducing  into 
tlie  present  convention,  by  common  consent,  any  modifications  the  propriety  of  which 
may  have  been  shown  by  experience. 

Article  13. 

At  the  expiration  of  twelve  years  this  convention  may  be  abrogated  by  any  one  of 
the  high  contracting  parties,  so  far  as  it  is  concerned.  Any  government  that  may  avail 
it«elf  of  the  right  of  terminating  this  convention,  so  far  as  it  is  concerned,  shall  be 
required  to  give  notice  of  its  intentions  one  year  in  advance,  and  by  so  doing  shall  re- 
nounce all  rights  of  joint  ownership  in  the  international  prototypes  and  in  the  bureau. 

Article  14. 

This  convention  shall  be  ratified  according  to  the  constitutional  laws  of  each  state, 
and  the  ratifications  shall  be  exchanged  at  Paris  within  six  months,  or  sooner,  if  pos- 
sible. 

It  shall  take  effect  on  the  1st  day  of  January,  1876. 

In  testimony  whereof  the  respetive  plenipotentiaries  attached  their  signatures  and 
have  therenuto  afiixed  their  seals  of  arms. 
Done  at  Paris,  May  20, 1875. 

L.  s-l  E.  B.  WA8HBURNE. 

L.  8.]  HOHENLOHE. 

L.  8.]  APPONYI. 

L.  8.]  BERGENS. 

L.  8.]  VISCOUNT  DE  ITAJUBA. 

L.  8.]  M.  BALCARCE. 

L.  8.]  MOLTKE-IIOITFELDT. 

L.  8.]  MARQUIS  DE  MOLINI^. 

L.  8.]  CARLOS  IBANEZ. 

[L.  8.]  DECAZES. 

L.  8.J  C.  DE.  MEAUX. 

L.  8.]  N.  DUMAS. 

L.  8.]  NIGRA. 

L.  8.]  P  GALVEZ. 

L.  8.]  FRAN'SE  DE  RIVERO. 

L.  8.]  JOSfi  DE  SILVA  MENDESSEAL. 

:l.  8.]  O'KONNUFF, 

For  BARON  ANDELSWARD,  (prevented). 

L.  8.]  H.  AKERMAN. 

L.  8.]  KERN. 

L.8.]  IIUSSEY. 

:l.  8.]  E.  ACOSTA. 

[Appendix  No.  l.J 

REGULATIONS. 
Article  1. 

The  international  bureau  of  weights  and  measures  shall  be  established  in  a  special 
building,  possessing  all  the  necessary  safeguanls  of  stillness  and  stability. 

It  shall  comprise,  in  addition  to  the  vault,  which  shall  be  devoted  to  the  safe-keep- 
ing of  the  prototype,  rooms  for  mounting  the  comparators  and  balances,  a  laboratory, 
a  library,  a  room  for  the  archives,  work-rooms  for  the  employes,  and  lodgings  for  the 
watchmen  and  attendants. 

Article  2. 

It  shall  be  the  duty  of  the  international  committee  to  procure  a  suitable  building 
and  to  adapt  it  to  the  pnrposes  designated.  In  case  of  the  committee's  inability  to 
obtain  a  suitable  building,  one  shall  be  built  under  its  directions  and  in  accordance 
with  its  plans. 

Article  3. 

The  French  Government  shall,  at  the  request  of  the  international  committee,  take 
the  necessary  measures  to  cause  the  bureau  to  be  recognized  as  an  establiahment  of  public 
utility. 

Article  4. 

The  international  committee  shall  cause  the  necessary  instruments  to  be  constructed, 
such  as  comparators  for  the  standards  of  Hue  aud  end  measures,  apparatus  for  the 


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/ 


determination  of  absolute  dilitations,  balances  for  weighing  in  air  and  in  vacuo,  com- 
parators for  geodetic  measuring  bars,  &c. 

Article  5. 

The  entire  expense  incurred  in  the  purchase  or  construction  of  the  building,  and  in 
the  purchase  and  placing  of  the  instruments  and  apparatus,  shall  not  exceed  400,000 
francs. 

Article  6. 

The  estimate  of  annual  expenditures  is  as  follows : 

(A)  For  the  first  period,  i.  e.,  during  the  construction  and  comparison  of  the  new 
prototypes — 
(a)  Salary  of  the  director 1,^,000  fr. 

of  two  adjuncts,  at  6,000  fr.  each 12,000  fr. 

of  four  assistants,  at  3,000  fr.  each 12,000  fr. 

Pay  of  doorkeeper  (mechanic) .- 3,000  fr. 

Wages  of  two  office-boys,  at  1,500  fr.  each 3,000  fr. 

Total  for  salaries 45,000  fr. 

(&)  Compensation  to  men  of  science  and  artists  who,  by  direction  of  the 
committee,  may  be  employed  to  perform  spesial  duties,  keeping  of  the 
building  in  proper  order,  purchase  and  repair  of  apparatus,  fuel,  light, 
and  office  expenses 24, 000  f r. 

(c)  Compensation  of  the  secretary  of  the  international  committee  for 
weights  and  measures - 6,000  fr. 

Total 75,000  fr. 

The  annual  budget  of  the  bureau  may  be  modified  by  the  international  committee 
as  necessity  may  require,  at  the  suggestion  of  the  director,  but  it  shall  in  no  case  ex- 
ceed the  sum  of  100,000  francs. 

The  contracting  governments  shall  be  notified  of  any  modifications  that  the  com- 
mittee may  think  proper  to  make  within  these  limits  in  the  annual  budget  fixed  by 
the  present  regulations. 

The  committee  may  authorize  the  director,  at  his  request,  to  make  transfers  from  one 
subdivision  of  the  budget  to  another. 

(B)  For  the  period  subsequent  to  the  distribution  of  the  prototypes  : 
(a)  Salary  of  the  director 15,000  fr. 

one  adjunct 6,000  fr. 

Pay  of  a  doorkeeper(mechanic) 3,000  fr. 

Wages  of  an  office-boy 1,500  fr. 

25,500  fr. 

(6)  Office  expenses lrt,500  fr. 

Compensation  of  secretary  international  committee 6,000  fr. 

Total 50,000  fr. 

Article  7. 

The  general  conference  mentioned  in  article  3  of  this  convention  shall  be  at  Paris 
upon  the  sununons  of  the  international  committee,  at  least  once  every  six  years. 

It  shall  be  its  duty  to  discuss  and  initiate  measures  necessary  for  the  dissemination 
and  improvement  of  the  metrical  system,  and  to  pass  upon  such  new  fundamental 
metrological  determinations  as  may  have  been  made  during  the  time  when  it  ys^as  not 
in  session.  It  shall  receive  the  report  of  the  international  committee  concerning  the 
work  that  has  been  accomplished,  and  shall  replace  one-half  of  the  international  com- 
mittee by  secret  ballot. 

The  voting  in  the  general  conference  shall  be  by  states;  each  state  shall  be  entitled 
to  one  vote. 

Each  of  the  members  of  the  international  committee  shall  be  entitled  to  a  seat  at 
the  meetings  of  the  conference.  They  may  at  the  same  time  be  delegates  of  their 
governments.  • 

Article  8. 

>The  international  committee  mentioned  in  article  3  of  the  convention  shall  be  com- 
posed of  fourteen  members,  all  of  whom  shall  belong  to  a  ditferent  state.  It  shall 
consist,  at  first,  of  the  twelve  members  of  the  former  permanent  committee  of  the 
international  commission  of  1872,  and  of  the  two  delegates  who,  at  the  time  of  the 


48 


HETBIC   8TSTEK. 


V 


METRIC    SYSTEM. 


49 


appointment  of  that  peimanent  committee,  received  the  largest  number  of  votes  next 
to  the  members  who  were  elected. 

At  the  time  of  the  renewal  of  one-half  of  the  international  committee,  the  retiring 
members  shall  be,  first,  those  who,  in  cases  of  vacancy,  may  have  been  elected  provis- 
ionally daring  the  interval  occurring  between  two  sessions  of  the  conference.  The 
others  shall  be  designated  by  lot.    The  retiring  members  shall  be  re-eligible. 

Article  9. 

The  international  committee  shall  direct  the  work  connected  with  the  verification 
of  the  new  prototypes  and,  in  general,  all  the  metrological  labors,  as  the  high  contract- 
ing parties  may  decide  to  have  performed  at  the  common  expense.  It  shall,  moreover, 
exercise  supervision  over  the  safe- keeping  of  the  international  prototypes. 

Abticle  10. 

The  international  committee  shall  choose  its  chairman  and  secretary  by  secret  ballot. 
The  governments  of  the  high  contracting  parties  shall  be  notified  of  the  result  of  such 
elections. 

The  chairman  and  secretary  of  the  committee  and  the  director  of  the  bnrean  must 
belong  to  di£ferent  countries. 

After  having  been  formed,  the  committee  shall  hold  no  new  elections  and  make  no 
new  appointments  until  three  mouths  after  notice  thereof  shall  have  been  given  to  all 
the  members  by  the  bureau  of  the  committee. 

Article  11. 

Until  the  new  prototypes  shall  have  been  finished  and  distributed,  the  committee 
shall  meet  at  least  once  a  year.  After  that  time  its  meetings  shall  be  held  at  least  bi- 
ennially. 

Article  12. 

Questions  upon  which  a  vote  is  taken  in  the  committee'shall  be  decided  by  a  major- 
ity of  the  votes  cast.  In  case  of  a  tie,  the  vote  of  the  chairman  shall  decide.  No  res- 
olution shall  be  considered  to  have  been  duly  adopted  unless  the  number  of  members 
present  be  at  least  equal  to  a  m^ority  of  the  members  composing  the  committee. 
Under  this  provision,  absent  members  shall  have  the  right  to  authorize  members  who 
are  present  to  vote  for  them,  and  the  members  thus  authorized  shall  furnish  proper 
evidence  of  their  authorization.  The  same  shall  be  the  case  in  elections  by  secret  bal- 
lot 

Article  13. 

^  During  the  interval  occurring  between  two  sessions,  the  committee  shall  have  the 
right  to  discuss  questions  by  correspondence.  In  such  cases,  in  order  that  its  resolu- 
tions may  be  considered  to  have  been  adopted  in  due  form,  it  shall  be  necessary  for 
all  the  members  of  the  committee  to  have  been  called  upon  to  express  their  opinions. 

Article  14. 

The  international  committee  for  weights  and  measures  shall  provisionally  fill  such 
Yacancies  as  may  occur  in  it ;  these  elections  shall  take  place  by  correspondence,  each 
of  the  members  being  called  upon  to  take  part  therein. 

Article  15. 

The  international  committee  shall  prepare  detailed  regulations  for  the  organization 
and  the  labors  of  the  bureau,  aud  shall  fix  the  amounts  to  be  paid  for  the  performance 
of  the  extraordinary  duties  provided  for  in  article  6  of  this  convention. 

Such  amounts  shall  be  applied  to  the  improvement  of  the  scientific  apparatus  of  the 
bureau. 

Article  16. 

All  communications  from  the  international  committee  to  the  governments  of  the 
high  contracting  parties  shall  take  place  through  the  diplomatic  representatives  of 
such  countries  at  Paris. 

For  all  matters  requiring  the  attention  of  the  French  authorities,  the  committee 
shall  have  recourse  to  the  ministry  of  foreign  affairs  of  Frai^ce. 

Article  17. 

The  director  of  the  bureau  and  the  adjuncts  shall  be  chosen  by  the  international  com- 
mittee by  secret  ballot. 

The  employes  shall  be  appointed  by  the  director.  The  director  shall  have  a  right  to 
take  part  in  the  deliberations  of  the  committee. 


^     V 


1 1  y 


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Y 


> 


Article  18. 

The  director  of  the  bureau  shall  have  access  to  the  place  of  deposit  of  the  interna- 
tional prototypes  of  the  meter  and  the  kilogram  only  in  pursuance  of  a  resolution  of 
the  committee  and  in  the  presence  of  two  of  its  members. 

The  place  of  deposit  of  the  prototypes  shall  be  opened  only  by  means  of  three  keys, 
one  of  which  shall  be  in  possession  of  the  director  of  the  archives  of  Franco,  the  sec- 
ond in  that  of  the  chairman  of  the  committee,  and  the  third  in  that  of  the  director  of 
the  bureau.  The  standards  of  the  class  of  national  prototypes  alone  shall  be  used  for 
the  ordinary  comparing  work  of  the  bureau. 

Article  19. 

The  director  of  the  bureau  shall  annually  furnish  to  the  committee  :  1st.  A  financial 
report  concerning  the  accounts  of  the  preceding  year,  which  shall  be  examined,  and, 
if  found  correct,  a  certificate  to  that  effect  shall  be  given  him ;  2d.  A  report  on  the 
condition  of  the  apparatus;  3d.  A  general  report  concerning  the  work  accomplished 
during  the  course  of  the  year  just  closed.  The  international  committee  shall  make  to 
each  of  the  governments  of  the  high  contracting  parties  an  annual  report  concerning 
all  its  scientific,  technical,  and  administrative  operations,  aud  concerning  those  of  the 
bureau. 

The  chairman  of  the  committee  shall  make  a  report  to  the  general  conference  con- 
cerning the  work  that  has  been  accomplished  since  its  last  session. 

The  reports  and  publications  of  the  committee  shall  be  in  the  French  language. 
They  shall  be  printed  aud  furnished  to  the  governments  of  the  high  contracting  par- 
ties. 

Article  20. 

The  contributions  referred  to  in  article  9  of  the  convention  shall  be  paid  according 
to  the  following  scale : 

The  number  representing  the  population,  expressed  in  millions,  shall  be  multiplied 
by  the  coefficient  three  for  states  in  which  the  use  of  the  metrical  system  is  obligatory  ; 
by  the  coefficient  two  for  those  in  which  it  is  optional ;  by  the  coefficient  one  for  other 
states.  The  sum  of  the  products  thus  obtained  will  furnish  the  number  of  units  by 
which  the  total  expense  is  to  be  divided.  The  quotient  will  give  the  amount  of  the 
unit  of  expense. 

Article  21. 

The  expense  of  constructing  the  international  prototypes,  and  the  standards  and 
test  copies  which  are  to  accompany  them,  shall  be  defrayed  by  the  high  contracting 
parties  in  accordance  with  the  scale  fixed  in  the  foregoing  article. 

The  amounts  to  be  paid  for  the  comparison  and  verification  of  standards  required 
by  states  not  represented  at  this  convention  shall  be  regulated  by  the  committee  in 
conformity  with  rates  fixed  in  virtue  of  article  15  of  the  regulations. 

Article  22. 

These  regulations  shall  have  the  same  force  and  value  as  the  convention  to  which 
they  are  annexed. 
(Signed)  E.  B.  WASHBURNE. 

*  HOHENLOHE. 

APPONYI. 
BERGENS. 

VISCOUNT  DE  ITAJUBA. 
M.  BALCARCE. 
MOLTKE-HOITFELDT. 
MARQUIS  DE  MOLINS. 
CARLOS  IBANEZ. 
C.  DE  MEAUX. 
DECAZES. 
DUMAS. 
NIGRA. 
P.  GALVEZ. 

FRANCISCO  DE  RIVERO. 
JOSF.  DE  SILVA  MENDESSEAL. 
O'KONNEFF, 
For  BARON  ADELSWARD  (prevented) 
H.  AKERMAN. 
KERN. 
HUSSEY. 
E.  ACOSTA. 

H.  Rep.  14 4 


50 


METRIC    SYSTEM. 


METRIC    SYSTEM. 


51 


[Appendix  No.  2.  | 

TRANSIENT  PROVISIONS. 

Article  1. 

All  states  which  are  represented  at  the  international  metre  commission  which  met  at 
Paris  in  lt<72,  whether  they  are  contracting  parties  to  the  present  convention  or  not, 
shall  receive  the  prototypes  that  they  may  have  ordered,  which  shall  be  delivered  to 
them  in  the  condition  guaranteed  by  the  said  international  commission. 

Article  2. 

The  principal  object  of  the  first  meeting  of  the  general  conference  of  weights  and 
measures  shall  be  tu  sanction  these  new  prototypes,  and  to  distribute  them  amoug  the 
states  which  shall  have  expressed  a  desire  to  receive  them. 

In  consequence,  the  delegates  of  all  the  governments  which  were  represented  in  the 
international  commission  of  1W2,  as  likewise  the  members  of  the  French  section,  shall, 
of  right,  form  part  of  this  tirst  meeting  for  the  sanction  of  the  prototypes. 

Article  3. 

It  shall  be  the  duty  of  the  international  committee  mentioned  in  Article  3  of  the 
convention,  and  composed  as  provided  in  Article  8  of  the  regulations,  to  receive  and 
compare  the  new  prototypes  one  with  the  other,  in  accordance  with  the  scientitic  de- 
cisions of  the  international  commission  of  1872,  and  of  its  permanent  committee.  Such 
modifications  may,  however,  be  made  as  may  in  future  be  suggested  by  experience. 

Article  4. 

The  French  section  of  the  international  commission  of  1872  shall  continue  to  have 
charge  of  the  labors  entrusted  to  it  in  the  construction  of  the  new  prototypes,  with 
the  co-uperation  of  the  international  committee. 

Article  5. 

The  cost  of  manufacturing  the  metrical  standards  prepared  by  the  French  sectioi 
shall  be  re-imbursed  by  the  governments  interested,  according  to  the  cost-price  per  unit 
which  shall  be  fixed  by  the  said  section. 

Article  6. 

The  immediate  formation  of  the  international  committee  is  authorized,  and  that 
body,  when  formed,  is  hereby  empowered  to  make  all  necessary  preparatory  examina- 
tions for  the  carrying  into  effect  of  the  convention,  without,  however,  incurring  any 
expense  before  the  exchange  of  the  ratifications  of  the  said  convention. 

E.  B.  WASHBURNE. 

HOHENLOHE. 

APPONYI. 

BERGENS. 

VISCOUNT  DE  ITAJUBA. 

M.  BALCARCE. 

MOLTKE-HOITFELD  r. 

MARQUIS  DE  MOLINS. 

CARLOS  IBANEZ. 

DECAZES. 

c.  de  meaux. 
di:mas. 

NIGRA. 
P.  GALVEZ. 
FRANCO.  DE  RIVERO. 
.JOSf.  DE  SlLVA  MENDESSEAL. 
O'KONNEFF. 
For  BARON  ADELSWARD,  (prevented.) 
H.  AKERMAN. 
KERN. 
HUSSEY. 
E.  ACOSTA. 


<'l  r 


-( 


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y 


Y 


> 


No.  3. 

Mr.  Eilgard  to  Mr.  Fish. 

Washington,  December  13, 1872. 

Sir  :  In  pursuance  of  the  notification  received  from  the  Department  of  State,  under 
date  of  August  24,  1872,  I  attended  the  session  of  the  International  Standards  Com- 
mission, (commission  Internationale  du  metre),  held  at  Paris  from  the  24th  of  Septem- 
ber until  the  9th  of  October  of  this  year,  and  I  have  the  honor  to  submit  to  the  De- 
partment a  report  of  the  labors  of  that  commission  to  the  present  time. 

In  1870,  the  Government  of  France  invited  the  governments  of  other  nations  to  send 
delegates  to  Paris,  for  the  purpose  of  forming  an  international  commission,  having  for 
its  object  the  construction  of  new  metre  as  an  international  standard  of  length ;  this 
new  standard  being  intended  to  represent  with  the  utmost  attainable  precision  the 
actual  legal  metre,  the  nwtre  des  ardiives,  but  satisfying  more  fully  than  the  latter,  by 
its  material  form  and  definition,  the  conditions  of  invariability  and  precision  imposed 
by  the  present  state  of  science  upon  a  universal  standard  of  reference. 

The  object  of  the  commission  being  purely  scientific,  the  President  designated  Prof. 
Joseph  Henry  and  the  present  writer  as  delegates  on  the  part  of  the  United  States, 
without  diplomatic  qualifications. 

The  first  session,  held  on  the  8th  of  August,  1870,  was  of  short  duration,  the  state  of 
war  between  France  and  Germany  preventing  a  full  representation  of  interested  na- 
tions. Professor  Henry  being  at  that  time  on  a  visit  to  Europe,  attended  that  session, 
which  resulted  in  the  resolution,  that  instead  of  a  single  new  standard,  as  many  ident- 
ical standards  as  there  were  nations  represented  should  be  constructed,  one  of  their 
number  being  afterward  chosen  as  the  international  standard,  to  be  preserved  in  some 
place  to  be  hereafter  designated  under  the  common  care,  while  the  others  should  be 
distributed  to  the  participating  countries. 

The  Government  of  France  provided  for  the  expenses  of  the  proposed  operations,  it 
being  understood  that  those  governments  who  should  afterward  claim  copies,  would 
refund  a  proportionate  share  of  the  expenditure. 

It  was  also  decided  that  similar  copies  of  the  lilogramme  or  unit  of  weight  should  be 
constructed,  and  a  committee  was  appointed  to  institute,  during  the  interval  of  the 
sessions  of  the  commission,  certain  preliminary  experimental  researches  having  refer- 
ence to  the  physical  and  mechanical  properties  of  various  materials  proposed  to  be  em- 
ployed and  to  the  actual  condition  of  the  existing  standards. 

This  committee,  consisting  of  the  French  section  of  the  commission  and  several  for- 
eign members,  among  whom  I  had  the  honor  of  being  included,  commenced  its  labors 
in  the  spring  of  the  present  year. 

Having  occasion  to  be  in  Paris  during  the  greater  part  of  the  summer  on  duty  con- 
nected with  the  Coast  Survey,  I  was  enabled  to  take  an  active  part  in  the  work  of  the 
committee,  and  to  attend  the  session  of  the  commission  without  incurring  any  special 
expenditure  on  that  account. 

Thirty  nations  were  represented  at  the  session  of  the  international  commission  held 
in  the  autumn  of  this  year.  Among  its  members  are  included  some  of  the  most  emi- 
nent samns  of  Europe,  and  its  labors  cannot  fail  to  exercise  a  most  important  influence 
on  the  metrology  of  the  world. 

The  principles  and  all  details  for  the  construction  and  comparison  of  the  new  stand- 
ards have  been  fully  determined  on,  and  the  execution  of  the  work  has  been  intrusted 
to  the  French  section,  with  the  concurrence  of  a  committee  of  twelve  members  of  the 
commission,  to  serve  until  its  next  session.  Of  this  committee  I  have  again  the  honor 
to  be  a  member. 

A  printed  copy  of  the  report  of  the  proceedings  of  the  commission  will  be  deposited 
in  the  State  Department  as  soon  as  received.  Meantime  I  append  to  this  report  an 
abstract  of  the  conclusions  reached,  as  presented  by  M.  Tresca,  one  of  the  secretaries 
of  the  commission,  to  the  French  Academy  of  Sciences. 

Their  subject-matter  is  for  the  most  part  technical,  but  I  beg  leave  to  ask  your 
attention  to  paragraphs  xxxvi  and  xxxvii,  in  which  the  commission  recommends  the 
establishment  of  an  international  bureau  of  weights  and  measures  to  be  maintained  at 
the  common  expense,  and  having  for  its  objects  the  preservation  of  the  new  interna- 
tional standards,  their  periodic  comparison  with  the  national  metric  standards,  the 
construction  of  new  metric  standards  for  other  countries  that  may  desire  them,  the 
comparison  of  the  new  metric  standards  with  other  fundamental  national  standards 
and  such  as  have  been  used  in  geodetic  operations,  and  all  other  work  tending  to  secure 
uniformity  and  precision  in  weights  and  measures. 

The  French  Government  has  been  requested  to  communicate  through  the  diplomatic 
channels  to  the  other  governments  represented  this  recommendation  of  the  commission, 
and  to  invite  them  to  a  conference  on  the  proposition. 

It  cannot  be  doubted  that  such  a  measure  would  serve  to  maintain  invariability  and 


62 


METRIC    SYSTEM. 


METRIC    SYSTEM. 


53 


precision  in  all  kinds  of  standards,  and  wonld  promote  that  approach  to  general  uni- 
formity which  is  admitted  to  he  desirable  by  all,  even  those  to  whom  the  practical 
difficulties  in  the  way  of  a  general  adoption  of  the  metric  system  of  weights  and  meas- 
ures in  onr  own  country  appear  insuperable.  ^ 

The  subject  of  metrology  is  one  in  which  all  nations  are  alike  interested,  and  it  ap- 
pears desirable  to  have  a  common  point  of  contact.  The  proposed  establishment 
would  form  the  nucleus  or  model  for  future  co-operation  in  matters  of  science  having 
international  importance.  Our  share  of  annual  expense  of  maintaining  it  would  be 
insignificant,  and  I  am  confident  that  all  men  of  science  in  the  country  will  approve  of 
the  plan  by  acclamation  when  it  is  once  formally  brought  forward. 
Very  respectfully,  your  obedient  servant, 

J.  E.  HILGARD, 
Amstant  SuperintendeMt  United  States  Weights  and  Measures 

and  Vice- President  of  the  International  iiitandard  CommisHion. 
Hon.  Hamilton  Fish, 

Secretary  of  State, 


METHODICAL  STATEMENT  OF  THE  RESOLUTIONS  PASSED  BY  THE  INTER- 
NATIONAL METRIC  COMMISSION  DURING  THEIR  METTING  AT  PARIS  IN 
1872,  PREPARED  BY  H.  TRESCA,  ONE  OF  ITS  SECRETARIES. 

I.— In  reference  to  the  metre. 

1.  For  constructing  the  new  international  metre,  the  metre  des  archives  in  its  existing 
state  is  to  be  taken  as  the  point  of  departure.    (Direct  decision.) 

2.  The  commission  are  of  opinion  that,  considering  the  actnal  state  of  the  defining 
ends  of  the  platinum  metre  den  archires,  the  new  metre  a  traits  can  be  safely  derived 
from  it.  Nevertheless  this  opinion  of  the  commission  requires  to  be  confirmed  by  the 
several  processes  of  comparison  which  may  hereafter  be  employed  in  this  investigation. 
(Committee,  1.) 

3.  The  measure  of  the  international  metre  shall  be  deduced  from  its  equation  with 
the  actual  length  of  the  metre  des  arch  ires,  as  determined  from  the  results  of  all  the 
comparisons  made  with  the  aid  of  the  processes  which  the  international  commission 
shall  be  able  to  employ.    (Committee,  1.) 

4.  Whilst  maintaining  the  decision  that  the  new  international  metre  ought  to  he  a 
metre  a  traits,  of  which  all  the  countries  interested  will  be  furnished  with  identical 
eopies,  constructed  at  the  same  time  with  the  international  prototype,  the  commission 
will  engage  afterwards  to  construct  a  certain  number  of  metre>f  d  houts  for  countries  ex- 
pressing a  desire  to  have  them,  and  the  equations  of  these  metres  a  bouts,  in  relation 
to  the  new  prototype  a  traits,  will  be  in  like  manner  determined  by  the  labors  of  the 
international  commission.    (Direct  decision.) 

5.  The  international  metre  shall  have  the  length  of  a  metre  at  the  temperature  of 
go  Q^ 

6.  For  the  material  of  the  metres  an  alloy  shall  be  used  of  90  per  cent,  of  platinum 
with  10  per  cent,  of  iridium,  and  a  tolerance  of  2  per  cent,  in  excess  or  deficiency. 
(Committee,  2.) 

7.  The  measuring  bars  shall  be  constructed  from  one  ingot  produced  at  a  single  cast- 
ing, by  means  of  the  processes  usually  employed  in  working  known  metals.  The  num- 
ber and  form  of  the  metres  shall  be  determined  by  the  commission.    (Committee,  2.) 

8.  These  bars  shall  be  annealed  for  several  days  at  the  highest  temperature,  in  order 
that  they  may  be  submitted  to  the  least  mechanical  action,  before  placing  them  on 
the  comparing  apparatus.     (Committee,  2.) 

9.  The  bars  of  platinum-iridium  on  which  the  defining  lines  of  the  metres  d,  traits 
are  to  be  cut  shall  have  a  total  length  of  102  centimetres,  and  their  transverse  section 
as  proposed  by  M.  Tresca.    (Committee,  3.) 

10.  The  bars  intended  for  the  metrex  ii  bouts  shall  have  an  analogous  transverse  sec- 
tion, but  symmetrical  in  a  vertical  direction  as  shown  by  the  tiguie  represented.  The 
ends  to  have  a  spherical  surface  of  one  metre  radius.    (Committee,  3.) 

11.  During  all  the  operations  with  these  standard  metres,  they  shall  be  supported 
on  two  rollers,  as  pointed  out  by  Baron  Wrede ;  but  for  future  preservation  they  shall 
be  placed  in  proper  and  convenient  cases.    (Committee,  3.) 

12.  Every  international  metre  shall  be  accompanied  by  two  detached  mercurial 
thermometers,  carefully  compared  with  an  air-thermometer,  and  which  should  be  re- 
verified  with  it  from  time  to  time.    (Committee,  4.) 

13.  The  method  of  M.  Fizeau  shall  be  employed  for  determining  the  dilatation  of  the 
platinum-iridium  to  be  used  for  constructing  the  metre.    (Committee,  4.) 

14.  The  standard-bars  shall  be  subjected  to  the  best  processes  by  means  of  which 
the  co-efficient  of  absolute  dilatation  of  the  whole  metre  may  be  determined.    These 


^  y 


i    y 


X 


i 


y 


y 


Y 


> 


-operations  shall  be  applied  to  each  metre  separately  at  five  difterent  temperatures  at 
least,  between  0-  and  40^  C.    (Committee,  4.) 

15.  The  comparisons  between  the  several  standard  metres  shall  be  made  at  not  less 
than  three  difiereut  temperatures  between  these  limits.    (Committee,  4.) 

16.  The  commission  decides  that  two  comparateurs  shall  be  constructed,  one  with 
longitudinal  displacement  for  tracing  the  lines  of  the  metres,  the  other  with  transver- 
sal displacement  for  their  comparison.    (Committee,  p.) 

17.  The  comparisons  are  to  be  made  by  immersing  the  new  standards  in  a  liquid  and 
in  air,  but  the  standard; ^xe/re  des  archives  is  not  to  be  placed  in  any  liquid  before  the 
end  of  the  operations.    (Committee,  6.) 

18.  The  tracing  of  the  lines  on  the  metres,  and  their  first  comparison  with  the  metre 
des  archives,  shall  be  carried  out  by  M.  Fizeau's  process.    (Committee,  6.) 

19.  For  determining  the  equations  of  the  several  standards,  all  the  other  methods 
of  comparison  already  known  and  approved  shall  be  «lso  employed  ;  that  is  to  say,  by 
using,  according  to  'circumstances,  either  contact  pieces  of  different  forms,  or  the 
method  of  MM.  Airy  and  Struve,  or  that  of  MM.  Stamkart  and  Steiuheil.  (Commit- 
tee, (\)  ,      ,       . 

20.  The  equations  between  the  metre  des  archives  and  the  new  international  metre  a 
traits,  as  well  as  the  equations  between  the  other  metre  a  traits  and  the  international 
metre,  shall  be  determined  from  an  examination  of  the  results  of  all  these  observa- 
tions.   (Committee,  6.) 

21.  In  the  construction  of  the  metres  a  bouts,  which  may  be  demanded  by  the  gov- 
ernments of  the  several  countries,  the  operations  shall  be  carried  on  inversely,  the  new 
international  standard  metre  being  the  point  of  departure.    (Committee,  6.) 

II. — In  reference  to  the  kilogram. 

22.  Considering  that  the  simple  relation  which  was  established  by  the  originators  of 
the  metric  system  betweeu  the  unit  of  weight  and  the  unit  of  volume  is  represented 
by  the  actual  kilogram  in  a  manner  sufficiently  exact  for  the  ordinary  uses  of  indus- 
try and  of  commerce,  and  even  for  most  of  the  ordinary  requirements  of  science ;  con- 
sidering also  that  the  exact  sciences  have  not  the  same  need  of  a  simple  numerical 
relation,  but  only  of  a  determination  of  such  relation  as  perfect  as  possible ;  and  con- 
sidering the  difficulties  that  would  arise  from  a  change  in  the  actual  unit  of  the  metric 
system,  it  is  decided  that  the  international  kilogram  shall  be  derived  from  the  kilo- 
gramme des  archives  in  its  actual  state.    (Direct  decision.) 

23.  The  international  kilogram  shall  be  determined  with  reference  to  its  weight 
in  a  vacuum.    (Committee,  .5.) 

24.  The  material  of  the  international  kilogram  shall  be  the  same  as  that  of  the 
international  metre— that  is  to  say,  platinum-iridium  containing  10  per  cent,  of  iridi- 
um, with  a  tolerance  of  2  per  cent,  of  excess  or  in  deficiency.    (Committee,  9.) 

2.5. /The  metal  of  the  kilogram  shall  be  fused  and  cast  in  a  single  cylinder,  which 
shall  then  be  submitted  to  furnace  heat  and  to  mechanical  operations  for  giving  to  its 
whole  mass  all  the  requisite  homogeneity.    (Committee,  9.) 

26.  The  form  of  the  international  kilograms  shall  be  the  same  as  that  of  the  kilo- 
gramme  des  archives— that  is  to  say,  a  cylinder  with  the  height  equal  to  the  diameter, 
and  the  edges  slightly  rounded.    (Committee,  9.) 

27.  The  determination  of  the  weight  of  a  cubic  decimeter  of  water  ought  to  be  made 
by  the  international  commission.     (Committee,  8.) 

28.  The  balances  to  be  used  for  the  weighing  shall  be  not  only  those  placed  at  the 
disposal  of  the  commission  by  institutions  and  individual  men  of  science  possessing 
them,  but  also  a  new  balance  to  be  constructed  so  as  to  give  results  of  the  greatest 
precision.    (Committee,  10.) 

29.  The  volumes  of  all  the  kilograms  shall  be  determined  by  hydrostatic  weights, 
but  the  kilogramme  des  archives  shall  not  be  placed  either  in  water  or  in  a  vacuum  before 
the  end  of  the  operations.    (Committee,  10.) 

30.  For  determining  the  weight  of  the  new  international  kilograms  in  relation  to 
the  kilogramme  des  archives  in  a  vacuum,  two  auxiliary  kilograms  shall  be  employed 
as  nearly  as  possible  of  the  same  volume  and  the  same  weight  as  the  kilogramme  des 
archives,  according  to  the  method  indicated  by  M.  Stas.  Each  of  the  new  international 
kilograms  shall  aslo  be  compared  in  air  directly  with  the  kilogramme  des  archives. 
(Committee,  10.) 

31.  The  new  prototype  kilogram  being  selected,  all  the  other  international  kilograms 
shall  be  compared  with  it,  both  in  air  and  in  vacuum,  in  order  to  determine  their 
equations.    (Committee,  10.) 

32.  For  these  objects  both  the  method  of  alternation  of  the  weights  and  that  of 
substitution  with  counterpoise  of  a  similar  material  shall  be  employed.    (Committee, 

10.) 

33.  The  corrections  for  loss  of  weight  in  air  shall  be  made  by  taking  the  data  ac- 
cepted as  the  most  accurate  and  the  most  scientifically  determined.    (Committee,  10.) 


54  METRIC   SYSTEM. 

III. — ^In  reference  to  the  actual  operations  for  carrying  out  the  decisions 

OF  the  commission. 

34.  The  International  Metric  Commission  are  of  opinion  that  in  the  fulfillment  of 
their  mission  there  should  be  constructed  as  many  identical  standard  metres  and  kilo- 
grams as  may  be  demanded  by  the  several  countries  interested ;  that  all  the  standards 
should  be  compared  under  the  superintendence  of  the  commission,  and  their  equations 
determined  with  the  utmost  precision ;  that  then  one  of  these  metres  and  one  of  these 
kilograms  should  be  selected  as  international  prototypes,  in  terms  of  which  the  equa- 
tions of  all  the  others  should  be  expressed ;  and  finally,  that  the  other  standards,  so 
completed,  should  be  distributed  indiscriminately  among  the  several  countries  inter- 
ested. 

35.  The  construction  of  the  new  standards  of  the  metre  and  kilogram,  the  tracing  of 
the  defining  lines,  and  comparisons  of  the  new  metric  standards  with  those  of  the 
archives,  as  well  as  the  construction  of  the  auxiliary  apparatus  necessary  for  these 
operations,  are  confided  to  the  French  section,  with  the  concurrence  of  the  permanent 
committee,  provided  for  in  the  following  article. 

36.  The  commission  shall  elect  from  its  body  a  permanent  committee,  whose  functions 
shall  continue  in  force  until  the  next  general  meeting  of  the  commission,  with  the  fol- 
lowing organization  and  attributes : 

(rt.)  The  permanent  committee  shall  be  composed  of  12  members,  all  belonging  to 
diii'erent  countries.  For  valid  deliberation,  at  least  five  of  its  members  must  be  pres- 
ent ;  they  shall  choose  their  president  and  secretary ;  they  shall  meet  at  all  times  that 
they  may  deem  necessary,  and  at  least  once  a  year. 

(b.)  The  permanent  committee  are  to  direct  and  superintend  the  execution  of  the 
decisions  of  the  international  commission  relating  to  the  comparisons  among  them- 
selves of  the  new  metric  standards,  as  well  as  the  construction  of  the  comparateurs, 
balances,  and  all  other  auxiliary  instruments  required  for  these  comparisons.  V 

(c.)  The  permanent  committee  will  execute  the  operations  specified  in  the  preceding      \ 
paragraph  (&)  with  all  the  appropriate  means  at  their  disposal.    For  these  operations 
they  will  have  recourse  to  the  international  bureau  of  weights  and  measures  so  soon 
as  it  shall  be  founded  by  the  several  states  interested. 

(d.)  When  the  new  standard  shall  be  constructed  and  compared,  the  permanent  com- 
mittee will  submit  a  report  of  all  their  operations  to  the  international  commission, 
-whose  sanction  must  be  given  to  the  new  standards  before  they  are  distributed  to  the 
several  countries. 

37.  The  international  commission  desires  to  notify  to  £he  several  governments  inter- 
ested the  great  utility  of  founding  an  international  bereau  of  weights  and  measures, 
upon  the  following  bases : 

1.  The  establishment  to  be  international,  and  declared  neutral. 

2.  Its  seat  to  be  at  Paris. 

3.  It  shall  be  founded  and  maintained  by  common  contributions  from  all  countries 
who  shall  be  parties  to  the  treaty  to  be  entered  into  by  the  governments  interested  for 
the  creation  of  the  bnreau. 

4.  The  establishment  shall  be  subordinate  to  the  international  metric  commission^ 
and  be  placed  under  the  supervision  of  the  permanent  committee,  who  shall  appoint 
the  director. 

5.  The  international  bureau  shall  be  charged  with  the  following  duties : 
(a.)  It  shall  be  at  the  disposal  of  the  permanent  committee  for  the  comparisons  which 

shall  serve  as  bases  of  the  verification  of  the  new  metric  standards,  with  which  the 
committee  are  charged. 

(ft.)  The  custody  and  preservation  of  the  international  prototypes,  in  accordance 
with  the  regulations  laid  dow  n  by  the  international  commission. 

(c)  The  periodical  comparisons  of  the  international  i>rototypes  with  the  several  in- 
ternational standards  and  their  attested  copies,  as  well  as  of  the  standard  thermome- 
ters, according  to  regulations  established  by  the  commission. 

(rf.)  The  construction  and  verification  ol  such  new  metric  standards  as  may  be  vei- 
qnired  in  future  by  other  countries. 

(e.)  Comparisons  of  the  new  metric  prototypes  with  other  fundamental  standards 
established  in  different  countries,  and  for  scientific  purposes. 

(/.)  Comparisons  of  standards  and  scales  of  precision  which  may  be  sent  for  verifi- 
cation, either  by  the  several  governments  or  by  scientific  societies,  and  even  by  indi- 
vidual mechanicians  or  men  of  science. 

(g.)  The  bureau  shall  carry  out  all  the  operations  required  by  the  commission  or  its 
executive  committee  in  the  interests  of  metrology  and  of  the  metric  system. 

38.  The  bnreau  of  the  international  commission  is  directed  to  address  to  the  French 
Government  a  request  that  they  will  communicate  diplomatically  to  the  governments       y' 
of  all  the  countries  represented  at  the  commission  these  views  of  the  commission  in      ^ 
relation  to  the  establishment  of  an  international  bureau  of  weights  and  measures;  and 
that  thev  will  invite  these  governments  to  conclude  a  treaty  for  creating  as  soon  as 


METRIC   SYSTEM. 


55 


i 


1 


y 


V 


y 


/ 


y 


<    V 


> 


possible,  and  with  a  common  accord,  an  international  bureau  of  weights  and  measures 
upon  the  basis  proposed  by  the  commission. 

IV.— In  reference  to  the  preservation  of  the  standards  and  the  guarantee 

OF  THEIR  INVARIABLENESS. 

39.  The  international  commission  considers  that  the  international  standard  metre 
ought  to  be  accompanied  by  four  identical  measures  of  length,  maintained  in  like  man- 
ner with  it  at  a  temperature  as  little  variable  as  possible;  another  identical  measure 
of  length  ought  to  be  kept,  by  way  of  experiment,  in  an  invariable  temperature,  and 
in  a  vacuum.  Steps  should  be  taken  for  establishing  other  attesting  measures  of  quartz 
and  beryl,  that  may  be  compared  at  all  times  with  the  entire  standard  metre,  either 
in  one  length  or  in  parts.  ,  ^      ,     , 

Such  principal  modes  of  control  and  of  preservation  of  the  standard  now  recom- 
mended should  not  be  the  only  ones.  The  commismon  will  be  better  able  to  decide 
upon  these  points  when  the  standnids  shall  have  been  completed  and  sanctioned  by 
their  authority,  and  w^ien  it  may  have  been  possible  to  collect  together  more  precise 
information  as  to  the  conditions  which  it  may  be  desirable  and  practicable  to  lay  down 
for  the  due  preservation  of  the  standards  in  all  the  countries  interested,  in  order  that 
their  full  validity  may  in  future  be  assured.  ,    •     ,      •  4.1, 

40.  The  commission  expresses  a  desire  that,  in  the  interests  of  geodesical  science,  the 
French  Government  will  take  steps  for  measuring  anew,  on  a  convenient  opportunity, 
one  of  the  old  French  bases. 

After  reading  this  paper  before  the  French  Academy  of  Sciences,  M.  Tresca  added 
that  all  the  resolutions  had  been  passed  by  the  commission  with  one  accord,  and  in  a 
spirit  of  perfect  confraternity,  all  the  votes  having  been  nearly  unanimous. 


No.  4. 


United  States  Coast-Survey  Office, 

WashlnytoHj  1).  ('.,  March  G,  1873. 

Sir  :  The  proposition  for  the  establishment  of  an  international  bureau  of  weights 
and  measures,  submitted  by  the  Government  of  France  upon  the  recommendation  of 
the  International  Metric  Commission,  meets  with  my  entire  approval.  The  objects  of 
the  institution,  as  set  forth  in  the  programme,  are  of  great  importance  to  metrology 
and  geodesy,  and  can  best  be  obtained  by  the  concerted  action  of  all  civilized  nations. 
Its  usefulness  is  independent  of  the  question  of  the  general  adoption  in  our  country 
of  the  metric  system,  the  use  of  which  has  already  been  legalized ;  since  accuracy  of 
comparison  and  tests  of  permanence  are  equally  important,  whether  the  standards  are 
identical  or  of  ascertained  relations.  ^  ...      x     •  •      *i. 

I  therefore  recommend  that  our  government  entertain  the  proposition  to  jom  otber 
nations  in  a  diplomatic  conference  on  the  basis  submitted  by  the  commission,  carefully 
guarding  two  paramount  conditions,  viz,  that  our  national  standard  be  kept  entirely 
free  from  any  foreign  control,  and  that  the  international  standard  and  establishment 
be  at  all  times  freely  accessible  to  us.  ...  -a 

As  the  subject  is  one  of  great  importance  to  science,  and  the  proposition  has  received 
the  attention  of  the  leading  scientific  bodies  of  other  nations,  I  would  also  recom- 
mend that  it  be  referred  to  the  National  Academy  of  Science,  for  a  report,  through  its 
president,  Prof.  Joseph  Henry. 

Very  respectfully,  BENJAMIN  PEIRCE. 

Siqjenntendent  United  States  Weights  and  Measures, 

Hon.  George  S.  Boutwell, 

Secretary  of  the  Treasury,  Washington,  D.  C 


No.  5. 


Treasury  Department, 
Washington,  D.  C,  March  7,  1873. 

Sir  •  I  have  the  honor  to  refer  to  you  a  communication  from  the  French  Govern- 
ment relative  to  the  establishment  of  an  international  Bureau  of  Weights  and  Meas- 
ures, and  would  request  that  a  committee  of  the  National  Academy  of  Sciences  make 
a  report  to  this  department  on  the  proposition  submitted. 
You  are  respectfully  requested  to  return  the  inclosed  communication. 

I  am,  very  resiiectlally,  ^^^   ^   BOUTWELL, 

Secretary, 

Prof.  Joseph  Henry,  LL.  D.,  „,    , .    .       r^  ^ 

rresident  of  the  National  Academy  of  Sciences,  Washington,  1).  C. 


56 


METRIC   SYSTEM. 


METRIC   SYSTEM. 


57 


To  Joseph  Henry,  LL.  D., 

President  of  the  National  Academy  of  Sciences : 

Sir  :  The  undersigned  "  Committee  of  the  National  Academy  of  Sciences,"  appointed 
"by  you  as  president,  in  compliance  with  a  request  of  the  Secretary  of  the  Treasury  of 
the  United  States,  made  in  a  letter  transmitting  for  examination. and  report  certain 
pax>ers  relating  to  a  proposition  on  the  part  of  the  Government  of  France  for  the  es- 
tablishment of  an  International  Bureau  of  Weights  and  Measures,  have  attended  to 
the  subject  referred  to  them,  and  beg  leave  to  report  as  follows : 

The  proposition  of  the  French  Government,  mentioned  above,  which  is  addressed 
not  only  to  the  Government  of  the  United  States,  but  to  all  other  governments  with 
which  that  of  France  is  in  diplomatic  communication,  has  been  made  in  response  to  a 
resolution  of  the  International  Metric  Commission  of  1870-7*2,  adopted  at  the  conclu- 
sion of  the  final  session  of  said  commission  in  the  year  last  mentioned.  This  inter- 
national commission,  in  which  were  present  the  accredited  representatives  of  thirty 
difterent  nations,  was  originally  called  for  the  purpose  of  considering  the  condition  of 
the  prototype  standards  of  the  metric  system  of  weights  and  measures,  now  deposited 
in  the  Palace  of  the  Archives  in  Paris,  and  the  expediency  of  replacing  these  by  other 
standards  exactly  copied  from  them,  or  corrected  for  the  exceedingly  minute  differ- 
ences supposed  to  have  been  detected  between  them  and  the  national  dimensions  from 
which  they  were  derived,  to  serve  in  either  case  as  new  prototype  bases  of  the  common 
system  of  metrology  of  the  metric  nations.  Such  being  its  declared  object,  the  delib- 
erations of  this  assembly  might  not  at  first  view  seem  to  have  possessed  any  impor- 
tant interest  to  nations  among  whom  the  metric  system  has  not  yet  been  received,  and 
accordingly  the  participation  in  its  proceedings  of  delegates  from  such  might  appear 
to  be  due  to  no  more  earnest  motive  than  the  spirit  of  international  comity,  or  a  mere 
feeling  of  scientific  curiosity.  It  is  true,  nevertheless,  that  whatever  concerns  the 
exact  determination  and  the  permanent  preservation  of  the  standard  bases  of  any  sys- 
tem of  metrology  is  important  to  every  people  who  may  be  in  relations  of  friendly 
intercourse  with  that  in  which  such  system  is  in  use,  since  any  uncertainties  or  errors 
which  may  exist  in  regard  to  them,  if  gross,  will  introduce  confusion  into  the  affairs 
of  commerce,  and,  if  only  slight,  will  violate  the  results  of  scientific  observations, 
and  deprive  of  value  the  most  careful  and  patient  labors  of  the  investigator. 

In  regard  to  the  metric  system  these  propositions  are  especially  true,  since  this 
system  has  .become  the  only  legal  system  of  weights  and  measures  for  more  than  one- 
half  the  civilized  world.  It  has  been  adopted  wholly  or  partially  by  all  the  nations 
of  Continental  Europe,  except  the  Russian  and  the  Scandinavian ;  by  Mexico,  and  all 
South  America;  and  by  British  India,  with  her  one  hundred  and  fifty  millions  of  in- 
habitants. In  Great  Britain,  since  1864,  its  permissive  use  has  been  legalized,  and  the 
effort  to  introduce  it  as  the  exclusive  system  in  that  country — an  effort  which  on  one 
or  two  occasions  already  has  been  nearly  saccessful  in  Parliament — prosecuted  from 
year  to  year  with  constantly  increasing  activity.  The  Royal  Standard  Commission, 
appointed  in  1868,  of  which  the  astronomer  royal  was  chairman,  reported  in  the  fol- 
lowing year,  recommending  the  introduction  of  the  system  in  the  United  Kingdom, 
and  their  report  was  accompanied  by  an  elaborate  argument  from  W.  W.  Chisholm, 
esq.,  w^arden  of  the  standard,  in  favor  of  the  recommendation. 

In  the  year  1855,  there  was  formed  in  London,  with  an  extensive  membership  in  the 
country,  an  organization  designed  to  advocate  the  introduction  into  England  of  a 
uniform  decimal  system  of  weight  and  measures,  which  organization  has  ever  since 
been  earnestly  urging  the  adoption  of  the  metric  system ;  and  the  British  Association 
for  the  Advancement  of  Science  has  for  many  years  maintained  a  standing  committee 
called  the  metric  committee,  of  which  the  object  is  the  same.  The  chambers  of  com- 
merce of  the  principal  towns  in  England,  many  farmers'  clubs  and  workingmen's  asso- 
ciations, and  many  scientific  societies  in  the  same  country  have  also  declared  in  favor 
of  the  same  system.  And  what  is  peihaps  still  more  significant,  since  in  processes  of 
manufacture  involving  the  use  of  machinery  changes  in  the  measure  of  length  are 
likely,  if  anywhere,  to  be  inconvenient,  the  most  eminent  mechanical  engineers  in 
England  are  open  advocates  of  the  substitution  of  the  meter  for  the  British  yard.  In 
the  United  States,  because  of  our  wide  separation  from  the  metric  nations  with  whom 
our  business  relations  are  most  intimate,  our  people  do  not  individually  feel,  at  least 
to  any  great  degree,  the  embarrassment  which  arises  from  having  daily  to  deal  with 
discordant  measures  of  quantity  and  value;  yet  our  foreign  commerce  is  greatly  ham- 
pered by  delays  in  the  custom-houses,  and  by  the  increased  labor  imposed  upon  im- 
porters and  upon  the  collectors  of  the  revenues,  resulting  from  this  cause.  When 
Great  Britain  shall  have  adopted  the  metric  system— an  event  which  cannot  be  very 
distant — the  disadvantage  of  continuing  to  be  the  only  important  commercial  nation 
maintaining  a  metrological  system  out  of  harmony  with  the  rest  will  be  felt  by  our 
people  so  sensibly  as  to  impel  them  without  doubt  to  follow  her  example  without  much 
delay.  The  objects  for  which  the  international  metric  commission  was  assembled 
were,  therefore,  of  hardly  less  interest  to  the  non-metric  nations  than  to  those  by  which 
the  meter  has  been  already  received,  since  this  dimension  represents  to  them  their  own 


^  >- 


iiy 


/ 


Y 


probable  future  standard  of  length.  But  the  enlarged  and  liberal  view  taken  by  the 
commission  of  its  proper  functions,  after  it  had  been  assembled,  was  such  as  to  make 
this  interest  not  merely,  as  here  indicated,  prospective,  but  direct  and  immediate. 
The  attention  of  the  commission  was,  in  the  first  instance,  naturally  occupied  with  the 
object  of  replacing  the  platinum  meter-bar  of  the  archives,  which  is  liable  to  the  ob- 
jection that  it  is  the  natural  standard  of  France,  by  a  new  prototype,  identical  with 
that  iif  length,  to  be  the  common  standard  of  the  metric  nations,  and  ultimately  the 
common  property  of  all  mankind.  iThis  plan  having  been  matured,  and  provision 
made  for  the  careful  preservation  of  the  prototype,  and  for  the  multiplication  of 
authentic  copies  of  the  same,  to  be  distributed  among  the  nations,  and  made  the  local 
standard  of  measure  in  difterent  parts  of  the  world,  the  commission  proposed  greatly 
to  enlarge  the  usefulness  of  the  permanent  organization,  to  which  these  tasks  should 
be  committed,  by  charging  it  with  the  duty  of  comparing  and  verifying  all  standards 
of  precision,  of  whatever  kind,  in  measure  or  weight,  which  may  be  sent  to  it  for  that 
purpose,  whether  by  governments  or  by  scientific  organizations  or  by  individual  in- 
vestigators or  artisans.  By  this  means  the  relation  of  the  national  standards  of  non- 
metric  nations  to  the  base  of  the  metric  system  and  to  each  other  will  be  determined 
with  the  highest  degree  of  accuracy,  and  the  great  works  of  geodesy,  which  have  been 
founded  on  different  units  of  measure,  will  become  strictly  comparable.  The  directors 
of  such  great  works,  the  ordnance  survey  of  Great  Britain,  for  example,  and  our  own 
coast  survey,  have,  from  time  to  time,  expended  a  vast  amount  of  labor  in  making  these 
determinations— determinations  which  are  greatly  exhaustive  of  time,  and  of  which  the 
results  are  still,  to  some  degree,  discordant,  and  are  not  wholly  satisfactory.  It  will  be 
in  the  power  of  the  international  bureau  to  prosecute  these  comparisons  under  circum- 
stances of  advantage  which  have  not  been  hitherto  enjoyed,  and  to  follow  them  out 
persistently  until  uncertainty  shall  no  longer  be  felt  to  attect  the  results.  The  propo- 
sition also  to  verify  the  scales  or  standards  of  measurement  presented  by  investigators 
or  citizens,  scales  designed  to  be  used  in  experimental  inquiries,  will  give  a  new  de- 
gree of  precision  to  the  results  of  observation,  and  make  it  possible  to  combine  the 
observations  of  different  observers  with  a  degree  of  confidence  which  it  is  not  now  pos- 
sible to  feel. 

It  appears,  therefore,  to  the  undersigned  that  the  creation  of  an  international  bu- 
reau for  the  objects  sot  forth  in  the  proposition  of  the  International  Metric  Commission 
cannot  but  be  attended  with  important  advantages,  both  practical  and  scientific,  to 
all  nations  which  shall  unite  in  maintaining  such  an  institution.  Subject  as  the  pro- 
posed bureau  will  be  to  the  control  and  direction  of  a  permanent  comnaittee  of  which 
no  two  members  will  be  appointed  for  the  same  nation,  it  seems  impossible  that  it  can 
be  perverted  from  its  original  design  to  subserve  any  secondary  interest.  On  the  other 
hand,  the  concurrence  of  the  nations  in  a  common  effort  to  promote  an  object  pacific 
in  Its  nature,  and  peculiarly  characteristic  of  an  advanced  civilization,  an  object 
which,  while  it  concerns  directly  the  material  welfare,  concerns  at  the  same  time,  in- 
directly and  to  an  important  degree,  the  intellectual  progress  of  the  human  race,  can- 
not but  be  regarded  with  gratification  for  its  own  sake  by  every  friend  of  humanity, 
as  evincing  some  slight  recognition  of  the  principles  of  the  solidarity  of  peoples — a 
principle  which,  in  the  coming  centuries,  is  unquestionably  destined  to  ameliorate  the 
condition  of  the  world. 

The  undersigned  therefore  concur  in  recommending  that  the  Secretary  of  the  Treas- 
ury be  advised  that,  in  the  view  of  the  National  Academy  of  Sciences,  the  Govern- 
ment of  the  United  States  would  not  act  unwisely  in  entering  into  a  treaty  stipulation 
with  the  Government  of  France  to  lend  the  aid  oi  this  government  in  the  creation  and 
maintenance  of  the  proposed  International  Bureau  of  Weights  and  Measures. 
All  of  which  is  respectfully  submitted. 

F.  A.  P.  BARNARD,  Chmrman, 

H.  A.  NEWTON. 

M.  C.  MEIGS. 

WOLCOTT  GIBBS. 

STEPHEN  ALEXANDER. 

J.  PETER  LESLEY 

J.  E.  HILGARD. 

JOSEPH  HENRY. 


Y 


> 


68 


METRIC   SYSTEM 


METRIC   SYSTEM 


59 


No.  6. 

lahle  showing  the  amannts  to  he  eontrihtited  hy  the  different  states  toward  the  International 

Bureau  of  Weightu  and  Measures.  / 


States. 


Population. 


41.610.150 

20. 136. 283 

15.  508, 575 

5,  253.  821 

2, 000,  ono 

2.  000,  000 
6  Spain I      24.236,590 


1  Germany 

2a  ^  Austria 

26  i  Hungary 

3  Belgium  .'. 

4  Argentine  Confederation 

5  Denmark , 


7  United  States  of  America. 

8  France 

9  Italy 

10  Peru 

11  Portual 

12  Russia 

ilia  S  Sweden... 
136  i  Norway  . . 

14  Switzerland. 

15  Turkey 

Itf  Venezuela . . 


Total 


38.  925.  598 
40.  943. 120 
26.801,1.54 

2,  500,  000 
5.  400,  (100 
7fi,  500,  000 
4,34l..=)59 
1,  795,  000 
2. 669, 147 

39,  000,  000 
1,  784, 194 


350, 850, 191 


a 
e 

o 
6 
O 


3 
3 
3 
3 
2 
1 
3 
2 
3 
3 
3 
3 
1 
1 
2 
2 
2 


I 

a 
S 


a 


u 

0 


123 
60 
47 

16 
4 
2 

73 

78 

123 

.  80 

8 

16 

77 
4 
4 
5 

78 
5 


803 


•  o 

a 


Annnal  expenses. 


Fnit, 
r.  498.13. 


Ist  period, 
F.  75,000. 


Unit, 
F.  93.40. 


2d  period,         / 
F.  50,000.     ~-i 


Unit, 
F.  62.27. 


F.  01,270 

29.888 

23.  412 

7,970 

1,  993 

996 

36.  3«i3 

.       38, 854 

61,  270 

39,850 

3, 985 

7. 970 

38,  3.")<) 

1,993 

1,  993 

2,491 

38,854 

2,491 

399,999 


F.  11,  488 

.^604 

4,390 

1,494 

374 

187 

6.818 

7,285 

11,  488 

7,472 

747 

1,494 

7,192 

374 

374 

467 

7,285 

467 


7,659 

3,736 

2,927 

996 

349 

1S5 

4,546 

4,857 

7,659 

4,982 

498 

996 

4,795 

249 

249 

311 

4,857 

311 


75,000 


50,002 


No.  7. 

BesolHiions  passed  hy  Jnt^riean  Metrological  Society f  May  19,  1875,  at  Xetv  York  City. 

Hesolred,  That  this  society  has  received  with  gratification  the  intelligence  of  the 
ratification  of  a  convention  between  the  leading  powers  of  the  civilized  world  estab- 
lishiDg  an  international  buaeau  of  weights  and  measures,  for  the  pnrpose  of  perpetu- 
ating forever  without  change  the  basic  units  of  the  metric  system  of  weights  and  meas- 
nres  and  the  distribution  of  authenticated  copies  of  the  prototype  standards  of  that 
system,  as  well  as  for  the  exact  comparison  of  standards  of  all  descriptions  and  the 
determination  of  their  relations  to  those  of  the  metric  system. 

Ee^olvedy  That  the  action  of  our  own  executive  government  in  accrediting  a  repre- 
sentative of  the  United  States  to  the  diplomatic  conference  in  which  this  convention 
was  entered  into,  and  in  authorizing  its  representative  to  sign  the  convention  on  the 
part  of  the  United  States,  is  especially  gratifying  as  evincing  the  sympathy  of  the  en- 
lightened statesmen  at  the  head  of  our  government  with  all  measures  which  tend,  like 
the  simplification  of  metrological  systems,  to  facilitate  international  intercourse,  and 
to  thus  promote  peace  and  harmony  between  different  peoples. 

C.  G.  ROCKWOOD,  Jr., 

liecording  Secretary  A.  M.  S, 


/ 


No.  8. 

AMERICAN  ASSOCIATION  FOR  THE  ADVANCEMENT  OF  SCIENCE.— REPORT 
OF  THE  COMMITTEE  ON  WEIGHTS,  MEASURES,  AND  COINAGE.-DETROIT 
MEETING,  1875. 

[From  the  proceedings  of  the  association.]  * 

REPORT  OF  THE  COMMITTEE  ON  WEIGHTS,  MEASl  KES,   AND  COINAGE. 

The  object  for  which  the  committee  on  weights,  measures,  and  coinage  of  the  Asso-  ^ 
ciation  for  the  Advancement  of  Science  was  originally  appointed  was  noc  that  it  should 
consider  matters  at  that  time  definitely  laid  before  it,  and  after  reporting  be  discharged , 


> 


V 


-<!  V 


-<    y 


y 


> 


but  that,  like  the  analogous  committee  of  the  British  Association,  it  should  take  cog- 
nizance of  all  the  movements  which  may  be  going  on  throughout  the  world  in  regard 
to  matters  relating  to  this  subject,  and  should  advise  the  association,  from  time  to 
time,  as  to  the  modes  in  which  it  might  promote  the  general  progress  of  improvement 
by  the  expression  of  its  sympathies,  or  by  invokingjthe  action  of  other  bodies  whose 
co-operation  might  be  likelv  to  subserve  the  same  cause. 

The  purpose  of  this  report  is,  therefore,  to  call  the  attention  of  the  association  at 
this  time  to  the  results  of  the  recent  international  diplomatic  conference,  of  which  the 
sessions  were  concluded  in  the  month  of  March  last,  and  to  the  international  conven- 
tion adopted  by  that  congress,  and  signed  by  the  diplomatic  representatives  of  twenty- 
one  nations,  among  whom  the  representative  of  the  United  States  is  included. 

This  conference  was  invited  early  in  the  year  1870,  at  the  instance  of  the  European 
Geodesic  Association,  by  the  Government  of  France.  The  invitation  was  extended  to 
all  the  nations  with  which  France  is  in  friendly  diplomatic  intercourse,  and  its  object, 
as  stated,  was  to  ask  the  co-operation  of  such  nations  in  an  endeavor,  through  an  in- 
ternational commission,  to  provide  adequate  securities  for  the  perpetuation,  unaltered 
forever,  of  the  basic  units  of  the  metric  system  ;  for  the  discussion  and  final  settlement 
of  any  question  which  had  been  or  might  be  raised  as  to  the  literal  conformity  of  the 
prototype  standards  with  the  natural  dimensions  which  they  purport  to  represent ; 
and  for  the  provision  of  authentic  copies  of  those  prototypes  to  be  deposited  with  the 
several  metric  nations,  and  all  others  which  should  desire  them,  as  local  standards  of 
comparison  and  verification.  The  invitation  was  generally  accepted,  and  delegates 
appointed  by  the  different  nations  were  assembled  for  the  first  time  in  the  summer  of 
1870,  in  Paris.  The  delegates  appointed  on  behalf  of  the  United  States  were  Prof. 
Joseph  Henry,  secretary  of  the  Smithsonian  Institution,  and  Prof.  J.  E.  Hilgard,  of 
the  Coast  Survey,  now  president  of  this  association.  At  this  earliest  meeting,  at  which 
Professor  Henry  appeared  for  the  United  States,  certain  general  principles  were  agreed 
upon  for  the  guidance  of  future  proceedings;  but  in  consequence  of  the  war,  which 
raged  with  such  violence  between  France  and  Germany  during  that  year,  no  active 
measures  were  attempted. 

A  second  meeting  took  place  in  187*2,  at  which  there  were  represented,  by  their  del- 
egates, thirty  different  nations.  Professor  Hilgard  appearing  on  behalf  of  the  United 
States.  On  this  occasion,  after  mature  deliberation  and  discussion,  it  was  resolved 
that  the  original  standard  meter  and  kilogram  should  be  adhered  to  as  standards  of 
length  and  weight.  The  original  standard  meter  had  been  what  is  called  an  end- 
meter,  or  a  metre  a  bout.  But  as,  in  comparisons  with  such  a  meter,  the  extremities 
are  liable  to  be  injured  by  repeated  contacts,  however  delicate,  the  commission  resolved 
that  the  new  meters  should  be  line-meters,  or  metres  a  trait— th&t  is,  measures  in  which 
the  standard  is  the  distance  between  two  delicately-traced  lines  on  the  surface  of  the 
metal,  these  lines  to  be  observed  microscopically,  and  never  touched. 

For  material  they  adopted  an  alloy  of  platinum  and  iridium,  ten  per  cent,  of  the 
metal  last  named  being  united  with  ninety  per  cent,  of  pure  platinum.  Of  this  mate- 
rial, also,  they  resolved  to  make  the  kilogram.  The  expansibility  of  this  material  is 
slight,  while  its  hardness  and  rigidity  are  great,  and  it  resists  all  acids  and  all  ordi- 
nary artificial  heat.  It  is  only  fusible  in  a  furnace  specially  constructed  for  the  pur- 
pose, in  which  the  material,  supported  on  a  bed  of  lime,  is  exposed  to  the  direct  ac- 
tion of  many  jets  of  the  oxy hydrogen  blow-pipe.  In  order  to  secure  the  highest  degree 
of  rigidity  in  the  mass  of  metal  forming  the  standard  meter,  it  was  determined  to  give 
to  the  bar  a  cross-section  resembling  in  part  the  letter  X  and  in  part  the  capital  H,  the 
lines  denoting  the  limits  of  the  standard  to  be  traced  on  the  bottom  of  the  trough  thus 
formed  on  one  side  of  the  cross-bar  of  the  H. 

Inasmuch,  also,  as  it  was  designed  to  furnish  all  the  metric  nations  with  carefully 
compared  and  verified  standards  accompanied  by  their  certified  equations,  and  as  it 
was  desirable  that  these  standards  should  be  as  nearly  as  possible  identical  in  char- 
acter in  every  respect,  it  was  further  resolved  to  construct  the  whole  from  a  single 
ingot,  formed  at  one  operation  of  melting. 

The  difficult  and  responsible  duty  of  accurately  preparing  the  bars  in  accordance 
with  these  rules  was  intrusted  to  the  delegates  constituting  the  French  section  of  the 
commission.  An  executive  committee  chosen  from  the  delegates  of  the  different  na- 
tions, to  the  number  of  twelve,  in  which  committee  our  country  is  represented  by 
Professor  Hilgard,  was  charged  with  the  subsequent  duty  of  receiving,  comparing, 
and  verifying  these  standards.  These  verifications  having  been  accomplished,  the 
committee  were  required  to  call  the  entire  commission  together  and  to  deliver  over  to 
that  body  the  standards  thus  finally  completed. 

It  being  evident  that,  in  order  to  secure  permanently  to  the  nations  represented  and 
to  the  world  the  benefits  contemplated  in  the  institution  of  this  commission,  some  per- 
manent organization  would  be  necessary  to  take  charge  of  the  standards  created,  to 
attend  to  their  distribution,  to  prepare  new  ones,  if  such  should  hereafter  be  neces- 
sary, to  recompare  hereafter  those  originally  distributed,  if  such  verification  should 
be  desired,  and  further,  to  compare  and  verify  standards  of  measure  of  any  kind,. 


60 


i 


METRIC   SYSTEM. 


i 


•whether  metric  or  not,  for  nations  or  for  mnnicipalities,  or  for  corporate  hodies,  or 
even  for  individuals,  it  was  finally  resolved  that  the  French  Government  should  he 
reqnested  to  invite  a  diplomatic  conference  of  the  nations  for  the  purpose  of  advising 
as  to  the  proper  plan  of  such  an  organization,  and  as  to  the  means  of  maintaining  it. 

In  consequence  of  this  suggestion,  such  an  invitation  was  issued  in  January,  1873. 
On  the  receipt  of  the  invitation  from  the  French  Government  by  that  of  the  United 
States,  the  president  of  the  National  Academy  of  Sciences  was  invited  by  the  Secretary 
of  State  to  lay  before  him  such  information  in  regard  to  the  nature  of  the  proposed 
scheme,  its  relations  to  the  interests  of  science,  and  its  more  direct  importance  to  the 
material  welfare  of  mankind,  as  might  enable  him  to  advise  the  President  of  the  United 
States  as  to  the  expediency  of  acceding  to  the  invitation.  The  president  of  the  academy 
referred  the  subject  to  a  committee,  by  whom  a  formal  report  was  drawn  up,  which 
was  presented  to  the  president  of  the  academy,  and  by  him  transmitted  to  the  Secre- 
tary 

The  impression  produced  by  this  upon  the  mind  of  the  President  of  the  United  States 

was  so  favorable  that,  without  hesitation,  he  appointed  Mr.  Washbnrne,  our  minister 
at  Paris,  to  represent  our  country  in  the  proposed  diplomatic  conference.  The  call  for 
the  conference  was  issued  in  December,  1874,  and  the  conference  itself  was  actually 
convened  in  March,  1875.  A  convention  was  entered  into  by  the  delegates,  on  behalf 
of  the  nations  represented  by  them,  in  which  it  was  stipulated  that  provision  should  / 
be  made  by  appropriations,  pro  rata,  from  the  different  assenting  nations,  for  the  \ 
maintenance  of  the  international  bureau.  A  scheme  of  organization  for  this  bureau 
was  approved,  and  a  budget  in  which  estimates  were  embraced  in  regard  to  the  original 
cost  of  construction  and  preliminary  operations,  and  in  regard  to  the  future  annual 
support  of  the  bureau,  was  also  approved. 

This  committee  see  no  occasion  for  going  more  particularly  into  details  in  regard  to 
the  plan  of  the  proposed  permanent  bureau,  inasmuch  as  the  president  of  the  associa- 
tion, who  is  a  member  of  the  executive  committee  of  the  international  commission, 
will  probably  make  a  communication,  written  or  oral,  to  the  association  on  the  sub- 
ject. The  point  which  the  committee  desire  to  press  upon  the  association  is  this :  The 
delegates  to  the  diplomatic  conference  who  have  affixed  their  signatures  to  the  con- 
vention have  done  so,  in  a  few  instances,  subject  to  the  approval  of  their  governments. 
Others  have  a€ted  with  the  full  authority  of  their  governments.  It  is  gratifying  to 
know  that  the  President  of  the  United  States,  on  having  been  consulted  by  Mr.  Wash- 
bnrne upon  the  question  of  affixing  his  signature,  was  authorized  by  telegraph  to  do 
so,  and  signed  the  convention  accordingly. 

The  United  States  are,  therefore,  one  of  the  signatory  powers;  and,  so  far  as  the 
action  of  the  executive  government  can  go,  we  are  a  member  of  an  international  league 
more  honorable  to  civilization  than  almost  any  other  that  was  ever  entered  into  by  such 
high  contracting  parties. 

As,  however,  in  order  that  our  engagements  may  be  fulfilled,  it  is  necessary  that  our 
Congress  should  make  provision  to  defray  the  portion  of  the  accruing  expense  which 
falls  to  our  share,  it  seems  desirable  that  an  expression  should  be  laid  before  Congress 
by  the  scientific  men  of  the  country,  signifying  their  estimate  of  the  importance  of 
-this  measure,  and  praying  them  to  make  the  slight  appropriations  required.  These 
will  amount  to  not  more  than  $10,000  in  the  first  instance,  and  the  future  annual 
smaller  sum  of  $1KK). 

It  is  to  be  considered  that  this  organization  is  not  designed  merely  to  advance  the 
interests  of  the  metric  system  of  weights  and  measures,  or  to  serve  as  a  means  of  pro- 
moting the  extension  of  that  system.  Its  design  is  higher  than  that.  To  secure  the 
universal  adoption  of  the  metric  system  would  be  undoubtedly  to  confer  an  immense 
and  incalculable  benefit  upon  the  human  race ;  but  it  would  be  a  benefit  felt  mainly 
in  the  increased  facilities  which  it  would  aftbrd  to  commerce  and  to  exactness  in  mat- 
ters that  concern  the  practical  life  of  humanity.  But  to  secure  that  severe  accuracy 
in  standards  of  measurement  which  transcends  all  the  wants  of  ordinary  business 
affairs,  yet  which,  in  the  present  advanced  state  of  science,  is  the  absolutely-indis- 
pensable condition  of  higher  progress,  is  an  object  of  interest  to  the  investigators  of 
nature  immensely  superior  to  anything  which  contemplates  only  the  increase  of  the 
wealth  of  nations.  / 

This  international  bureau  proposes  now  to  provide  for  science  precisely  that  which  -I 
science  in  the  present  age  of  the  world  demands — such  minute  exactness  of  measure- 
ment that  observations  of  the  most  delicate  character  which  may  be  made  in  Germany, 
or  Italy,  or  France,  or  England,  may  be  exactly  and  quantitatively  known  to  the  in- 
vestigator in  the  United  States,  who  reads  the  measures  as  they  are  set  down  in  the 
journals  and  the  memoirs  in  which  the  original  observations  are  described.  It  is  of 
secondary  consequence  whether  the  standards  are  metric  standards  or  standards  such 
as  are  in  use  among  ourselves.  This  bureau  will  equally  verify  them  all,  and  compare 
them  all  with  standards  of  other  nations  founded  on  different  linear  bases,  so  long  as 
.such  differences  shall  continue  to  exist.  It  is,  therefore,  not  merely  an  international 
Ibnrean  of  weights  and  measures,  but  it  may,  with  equal  propriety,  be  called  an  inter- 


y 


•Y 


i 


y 


y 


y 


METRIC    SYSTEM. 


61 


national  bureau  for  the  promotion  of  exactness  m  scientific  determni^ious.  And  jt 
will  be  as  much  the  organ  of  institutions  like  this  association,  like  the  National  Acad- 
emy, like  the  Royal  Society,  like  the  French  Institute,  &c.,  as  it  will  be  that  of  the 
governments  establishing  it.  The  committee,  therefore,  recommend  that  a  meraoria^ 
should  be  drawn  up  and  signed  by  all  the  members  of  the  association,  whether  here 
present  or  now  at  their  homes,  urging  Congress,  in  behalf  ot  American  science,  to  make 
the  trivial  appropriation  required  to  enable  our  country  to  be  a  participator  in  tho 
maintenance  of  an  organization  so  honorable  to  our  age  and  so  important  to  the  inter- 
ests we  have  at  heart.  ^,   ^   ^    BARNARD, 

(hair  man. 
J.  E.  HTLGARD, 
H.  A.  NEWTON, 
J.  LAWRENCE  SMITH,  . 
JOSEPH  HENRY,  }  Committee, 

W.  B.  ROGERS,  I 

BENJAMIN  PEIRCE, 


y 


> 


Detroit,  August  17, 1875. 


E.  B.  ELLIOTT, 


After  the  acceptance  of  the  report,  the  following  resolutions,  recommended  by  the 
standing  committee,  were  unanimously  adopted  :  .,,,...,  ^• 

Whereas,  in  the  investigations  of  science,  precision  in  the  determination  of  quanti- 
ties is  essential  to  the  discovery  of  truth,  and  therefore  every  measure  which  has  for 
its  object  to  secure  or  maintain  accuracy  in  the  standards  of  measurement  is  directly 
promotive  of  scientific  advancement,  and  is  of  interest  to  any  investigator; 

And  whereas  it  has  been  made  known  to  this  association  that  a  convention  was 
entered  into  early  in  the  present  year  by  the  leading  powers  of  the  civilized  world, 
throuffh  their  diplomatic  representatives,  providing  for  the  creation  and  maintenance, 
in  the  city  of  Paris,  of  an  organization  to  be  called  '» The  International  Bureau  of 
Wei*'hts  and  Measures,"  for  the  preparation,  verification,  and  distribution  to  the  gov- 
ernments of  all  the  assenting  powers  of  accurate  standards  of  measurement,  and  for 
the  preservation  unaltered  forever  of  the  prototypes  from  which  such  standards  are 
derived  ;  to  which  convention  the  Government  of  the  United  States  became  a  party 
bv  the  assent  of  the  President  and  the  signature  of  its  authorized  representative ; 

And  whereas,  for  the  purpose  of  defraying  the  cost  of  the  necessary  buildings  and 
equipment  and  for  the  maintenance  of  such  bureau  in  the  discharge  of  its  proposed 
functions,  it  is  provided  in  the  said  convention  that  each  of  the  high  contracting  pow- 
ers shall  contribute  according  to  a  scale  dependent  on  its  population  and  its  relation 
to  the  metric  system,  the  amount  of  such  contribution  being  in  every  case  inconsider- 
able and  entirely  insignificant  in  comparison  with  the  advantages  to  be  derived: 

liesolvel  That  a  memorial  address  to  the  Congress  of  the  United  States  on  behalf  of 
this  association  be  prepared  for  signature  at  this  present  meeting,  praying  the  Senate 
to  confirm  the  action  of  the  executive  department,  and  praying  Congress  to  make  early 
provision  to  discharge  the  obligations  resting  upon  us,  in  consequence  of  the  provision 
of  the  international  convention  above  mentioned,  distributing  the  burden  of  expense 
attendant  on  the  creation  of  the  International  Bureau  of  Weights  and  Measures,  and 
on  its  subsequent  maintenance,  among  the  signatory  powers,  and  that  the  said  memo- 
rial be  signed  not  only  by  the  members  of  this  association  here  present,  but  also  by 
such  of  those  not  in  attendance  as  may  choose  to  attach  their  signatures,  to  the  end 
that  the  prayer  of  the  memorial  may  be  made,  if  possible,  unanimous. 

liesolred  further,  That  such  memorial,  when  so  signed,  be  transmitted  in  duplicate  to 
the  presiding  officers  of  the  Senate  and  House  of  Representatives  by  the  president  of 
the  association;  immediately  on  the  assembling  of  the  Forty-fourth  Congress,  m  De- 
ember  next. 

In  pursuance  of  this  action,  the  following  memorial  was  drafted  and  numerously 
signed  before  the  adjournment  of  the  association : 

To  the  Senate  and  House  of  Representatives  of  the  United  Slates  in  Con<jresH  assembled  : 

The  undersigned,  members  of  the  American  Association  for  the  Advancement  of 
Science,  having  learned  with  great  satisfaction  that  a  convention  has  been  entered 
into  by  the  leading  nations  of  the  world  for  the  establishment  and  maintenance  of  an 
international  bureau  of  weights  and  measures,  with  the  object  of  promoting  perma- 
nence, precision,  and  uniformity  in  the  standards,  at  the  joint  charge  of  the  contract- 
ing powers,  and  that  the  Government  of  the  United  States  has  agreed  to  the  same 
through  its  diplomatic  representative,  subject  to  the  ratification  of  the  Senate,  do 
now,  for  the  considerations  set  forth  in  the  accompanying  report  and  resolutions,  re- 
spectfully urge  that  the  Senate,  without  delay,  ratify  said  convention,  and  that  Con- 
gress make  the  requisite  appropriation  to  carry  the  same  into  ettect. 


€2 


METRIC    SYSTEM. 


METRIC    SVSTEM. 


63 


No.  y 

Mr.  Finh  to  Mr.  linntow. 

♦ 

Department  of  State, 

February  17,  1876. 

Sir:  Referring  to  previous  conresponclence  io  reference  to  [ihe  metrical  convention 
some  time  since  conclnded  in  Paris,  I  have  the  honor  to  inform  you  that  I  have  caused 
a  translation,  which  was  submitted  to  you  for  approval,  to  be  carefully  examined 
since  its  return  from  your  department,  and  have  adopted  almost  entirely  all  the  modifi- 
cations suggested  in  the  communication  addressed  to  you  from  the  Bureau  of 
Weights  and  Measures. 

Some  few  changes  have  been  made  with  a  view  of  presenting  the  formal  parts  of 
the  convention  in  more  perfect  translation.  I  now  submit  to  you  a  copy  of  a  transla- 
tion of  the  entire  convention,  which,  if  requested  by  you,  I  will  cause  to  be  submitted, 
with  the  original,  by  the  President  for  the  action  of  the  Senate. 

As  the  matter  in  question  pertains  properly  to  your  department,  it  is  supposed  that 
any  information  or  communication  which  may  properly  be  made  in  furtherance  of  the 
ratification  of  the  convention,  or  in  reference  to  legislation  respecting  the  same,  will 
be  made  from  your  department.  I  will  thank  you  to  return  the  translation  at  an  early 
day  with  an  expression  of  your  views  concerning  the  subject. 
I  have,  «&c., 

HABilLTON  FISH. 


No.  10. 


Mr.*Bri>*iovr  to  Mr.  Fish 

Treasury  Department,  March  6, 1876. 

Sir  :  I  have  the  honor  to  transmit  herewith,  in  reply  to  your  communication  of  the 
17th  ultimo,  relating  to  the  convention  for  an  international  bureau  of  weights  and 
measures,  a  copy  of  a  letter  of  the  3d  instant  from  C.  P.  Patterson,  Superintendent 
of  the  United  States  Coast  Survey,  in  which  he  forwards  the  accompanying  report, 
with  the  statement  that  it  recites  briefly  the  circumstances  which  led  to  the  conven- 
tion, its  objects  and  purposes,  and  the  legislation  required  to  carry  it  into  eft'ect.  This 
rei)ort,  he  states,  has  been  prepared  by  Mr.  J.  E.  Hilgard,  assistant  in  charge  of  weights 
and  measures  in  the  Office  of  the  Coast  Survey,  who,  as  a  delegate  from  this  country 
to  the  international  metric  commission,  is  conversant  with  the  whole  history  of  the 
convention,  and  he  requests  that  it  be  transmitted  to  you  with  the  accompanying  doc- 
uments, for  presentation  to  the  Senate  at  the  time  the  convention  is  submitted  for 
ratification.  He  further  states  that  in  the  event  of  such  ratification  an  appropriation 
will  be  requisite,  an  item  for  which  has  been  duly  presented,  and  appears  on  page  152 
of  the  printed  volume  of  Estimates. 

The  translation  of  the  metrical  convention,  forwarded  to  this  department  with  your 
letter  of  the  17th  nltimo,  is  also  herewith  returned,  the  corresponding  copy  in  the 
Office  of  tbe  Coast  Survey  having  been  made  conformable  to  it. 
I  have,  &C.J 

B   H.  BRISTOW, 

Secretary. 

Mr,  Fatiernov  to  Mr.  Bristow. 

United  States  Coast-Survey  Office, 

Washington,  March  3,  1876. 

Sir  :  I  have  the  honor  to  transmit,  in  reply  to  the  department  letter  of  February  21, 
which  inclosed  a  communication  of  date  February  17,  addressed  to  the  department  by 
the  honorable  Secretary  of  State  on  the  subject  of  the  convention  for  an  international 
bureau  of  weights  and  measures,  the  accompanying  report,  reciting  in  brief  the  cir- 
cumstances which  led  to  the  convention ;  also  its  objects  and  provisions,  and  the  leg- 
islative action 'requisite  to  carry  it  into  efiect.  This  report  has  been  prepared  by  Mr. 
J.  E.  ^Hilgard,  asulHtaut  in  the  Coast  Survey,  in  charge  of  the  office,  and  who,  as  a 
delegate  from  this  country  to  the  international  metric  commission,  is  conversant  with 
the  whole  history  of  the  convention. 

The  objects  of  that  convention  appear  to  me  as  of  great  value  to  the  interests  of 
science,  and,  sq  far  as  I  can  learn,  they  are  deemed  very  desirable  by  those  who  are 
best  qualified  to  form  an  opinion  in  regard  to  the  importance  of  the  objects  sought. 

I  would  respectfully  suggest  that  the  report  of  Mr.  Hilgard,  with  its  accompanying 
documents,  be  transmitted  to  the  honorable  Secretary  of  State  with  the  view  of  their 
presentation  to  the  Senate  at  the  same  time  when  the  convention  is  submitted  for  rat- 


< 


^ 


-< 


y 


ification.  In  the  event  of  such  ratification,  an  appropriation  will  be  requisite,  and 
for  that  purpose  an  item  was  included  in  estimate  which  I  presented  to  the  depart- 
ment in  October  last,  and  which  appears  on  page  152  of  the  printed  volume  of  Esti- 
mates. 

The  translation  sent  by  the  honorable  Secretary  of  State,  through  the  Treasury  De- 
partment, is  herewith  returned,  the  corresponding  copy  in  this  office  having  been  made 
conformable  to  it. 

I  am,  &c., 

C.  P.  PATTERSON, 

Saperintendeni  United  States  Coast  Survey,  and  Weights  and  Measures. 


REPORT  OF  THE  PROCEEDINGS  OF  THE  INTERNATIONAL  STANDARD  COM- 
MISSION, AND  ON  THE  COJ^VENTION  SIGNED  AT  PARIS  MAY  20,  1875,  FOR 
THE  ESTABLISHMENT  OF  AN  INTERNATIONAL  BUREAU  OF  WEIGHTS 
AND  MEASURES,  BY  J.  E.  HILGARD,  ASSISTANT  UNITED  STATES  COAST 
SURVEY,  MEMBER  OF  THE  COMMITTEE. 


IList  of  papers  appended. 

1.  Report  to  Secretary  of  State,  by  J.  E.  Hilgard,  Decembei  13,  1872,  transmitting 
project  of  work  of  international  standards  committee. 

2.  Report  of  Prof.  Benjamin  Peirce,   Superintendent  of  the  United  States  Coast 
Survey,  on  proposed  international  bureau  of  weights  and  measures. 

3.  Report  of  National  Academy  of  Sciences,  transmitted  by  its  president,  Prof. 
Jeseph  Henry. 

4.  Translation  of  convention  of  May  20,  1875,  for  the  establishment  of  an  interna- 
tional bureau  of  weights  and  measures. 

5.  Table  of  allotment  of  expenditures, 

6.  Resolutions  of  American  Metrological  Society 

7.  Report  and  resolutions  of  American  Association  for  the  Advancement  of  Science, 


< 


c 


-< 


i 


y 


V"    report  on  the  proposed  international  bureau  of  weights  and  measures 

'  AT  PARIS. 

In  the  spring  of  18{>9  the  French  Government  addressed  a  circular-note  to  all  govern- 
ments with  whom  it  had  diplomatic  relations,  inviting  them  to  send  delegates  to  a 
scientific  commission  having  for  it  j  object  a  revision  of  the  standard  unit  of  the  metric 
system,  and  the  construction  of  a  number  of  identical  standards,  to  be  distributed 
among  the  participating  states,  one  of  which,  selected  as  an  international  standard 
of  reference,  should  be  preserved  nnder  conditions  insuring  its  invariability.  As  this 
proposition  obviously  tended  to  promote  accuracy  and  permanence  in  all  kinds  of 
standards,  whether  metrical  or  of  ascertained  relations  to  the  same,  it  was  favorably 
considered  by  the  Government  of  the  United  States,  especially  since  Congress  had,  in 
1866  (act  of  July  28,  1866),  made  the  use  of  metric  standards  optional  in  the  United 
States,  and  had  directed  the  Treasury  Department  to  furnish  copies  of  such  standards 
to  each  State,  and  the  President  accordingly  designated  Prof.  Joseph  Henry  and  Mr. 
J.  E.  Hilgard  as  delegates  from  the  United  States  to  the  proposed  international  com- 
mission. 

The  first  session  of  the  commission  was  held  at  Paris  in  August,  1870,  Professor 
Henry  representing  the  United  States  on  that  occasion.  In  consequence  of  the  state 
of  war  between  France  and  Germany  that  session  was  of  brief  duration.  The  objects 
of  the  commission  were  discussed,  but  no  conclusion  was  reached  before  adjournment. 

The  second  session  of  the  commission  was  held  between  the  24th  of  September  and 
the  8th  of  November,  1872,  at  which  the  United  States  were  represented  by  Mr.  J.  E. 
Hilgard.  At  this  session,  at  which  thirty  states,  comprising  all  the  civilized  nations 
of  the  earth,  were  represented,  the  subject  of  the  new  standards  was  fully  discussed, 
and  the  mode  of  their  execution  and  verification  was  determined  on  according  to  a 
project  set  forth  in  Appendix  No.  1.  That  project  provides  for  the  construction  of  an 
international  meter  and  kilogram  possessing  all  the  qualities  of  accuracy  and  perma- 
nence which  the  present  state  of  science  can  atford,  and  of  exact  copies  of  the  same 
for  each  of  the  participating  States.  These  new  standards  are  to  conform  as  nearly 
as  ]»ossible  to  those  heretofore  legalized  in  France  and  adopted  by  other  nations,  the 
originals  of  which  are  preserved  in  the  archives  of  France. 

The  demand  for  the  reproduction  of  those  originals  in  a  new  form  arises  from  the 
fact  that  they  are  of  a  material  so  soft  and  of  such  form  as  to  be  liable  to  sufi'er  change 
from  frequent  use  in  comparisons.    In  fact  the  meter,  the  fundamental  unit,  being  a 


y 


> 


> 


64 


METRIC    SYSTEM. 


i 


slender  t)ar  of  soft  platinnm,  defined  by  its  terminal  surfaces,  already  shows  visible 
signs  of  abrasion  by  the  contacts  to  which  it  has  been  subjected.  It  is  proposed  to 
replace  it  by  a  rigid  girder-shaped  bar  of  a  hard  and  indestructible  alloy  of  platinum 
and  iridium,  near  the  ends  of  which  the  fundamental  length  of  a  meter  is  defined  by 
extremely  fine  lines,  which  are  only  referred  to  by  optical  comparison.  The  new  kilo- 
gram is  to  be  made  of  the  same  hard  alloy. 

The  French  members  of  the  commission  are  to  undertake  the  construction  of  the 
new  standards,  under  the  supervision  of  an  executive  committee  of  twelve  members 
of  the  commission,  one  of  whom  was  the  American  delegate.  The  question  of  the  sub- 
sequent preservation  of  the  international  prototypes,  and  of  the  means  of  future  ref- 
erence to  the  same  for  the  verification  of  the  national  standards  from  time  to  time, 
likewise  occupied  the  attention  of  the  commission,  and  resulted  in  the  expression  of 
an  opinion  that  it  would  be  expedient  to  found  at  Paris  an  international  bureau  of 
weights  and  measures,  to  be  maintained  at  the  common  expense,  and  haying  for  its 
objects  the  preservation  of  the  new  international  standards,  their  periodic  compari- 
son with  the  national  metric  standards,  the  construction  of  new  metric  standards  for 
other  countries  that  may  desire  them,  the  comparison  of  the  new  metric  standards 
with  other  fundamental  national  standards,  and  such  as  have  been  used  in  geodetic 
operations,  and  all  other  work  tending  to  secure  uniformity  and  precision  in  weights 
and  measures. 

In  compliance  with  the  request  of  the  commission,  the  Government  of  France  com- 
municated its  recommendation  to  the  other  governments  represented,  and  invited  them 
to  a  diplomatic  conference  on  the  proposition  submitted. 

The  Government  of  the  United  States,  upon  the  suggestion  of  Professor  Benjamin 
Peirce,  then  Superintendent  of  the  Coast  Survey,  and  as  such  charged  with  the  con- 
struction of  metric  standards  for  the  States,  to  whom  the  matter  had  been  referred  for 
report  (see  Appendix  No.  2),  submitted  the  question  to  the  National  Academy  of  Sci- 
ences, which  body,  through  their  committee  on  weights,  measures,  and  coinage,  made 
a  report  strongly  recommending  the  participation  of  this  country  in  the  proposed  in- 
ternational institution.     A  copy  of  their  report  is  appended  (Appendix  No.  3). 

The  President,  adopting  their  views,  thereupon  informed  the  Government  of  France 
of  the  assent  of  this  government  to  the  proposed  conference,  and  designated  the  Amer- 
ican minister  at  Paris  as  a  delegate  to  the  same. 

Pending  these  negotiations,  the  work  of  preparing  the  new  standards  was  prosecuted 
by  the  French  members  of  the  scientific  commission,  under  the  general  direction  of 
an  international  committee  of  twelve  members,  one  of  whom  was  the  American  del- 
egate, Mr.  J.  E.  Hilgard.  The  latter  has  also  immediate  charge  of  the  construction 
of  the  metric  standards  for  the  States,  at  the  Coast  Survey  Office  in  Washington,  to 
which  bureau,  in  conformity  with  the  custom,  their  preparation  had  been  intrusted  by 
the  Treasury  Department. 

At  the  session  of  the  international  committee,held  in  Paris  in  October,  1874,  the  work 
upon  the  new  standards  was  so  far  advanced  as  to  render  it  necessary  to  decide  whether 
the  means  and  appliances  requisite  for  their  final  verification  and  intercomparison 
should  be  provided,  with  a  view  to  permanence  and  future  use,  or  whether  the  work 
should  be  treated  as  a  temporary  operation.  A  large  number  of  the  governments  rep- 
resented in  the  scientific  commission  having  signified  their  assent  to  the  proposed  con- 
ference for  the  establishment  of  a  permanent  institution,  the  French  Government, 
therefore,  at  the  request  of  the  committee,  called  the  conference,  which  resulted  in  a 
convention,  a  copy  of  which  is  annexed.    (Appendix  No.  4.) 

It  provides  for  the  establishment  and  maintenance,  at  the  joint  charge  of  the  con- 
tracting parties,  of  a  permanent  international  bureau  of  weights  and  measures  (bu- 
reau internatianal  de  poids  et  mesnres)  to  be  situated  at  or  near  Paris,  and  to  be  declared 
neutral.  It  is  to  be  established  in  a  special  building,  furnished  with  the  requisite  in- 
struments and  apparatus,  and  its  operations  are  to  be  under  the  exclusive  direction 
and  superintendence  of  an  international  committee,  composed  of  fourteen  members, 
all  belonging  to  difierent  countries.  Its  personal  staft'  is  to  consist  of  a  director,  one 
or  two  assistants,  and  the  requisite  workmen. 

In  addition  to  the  primary  work  of  verifying  the  new  international  metric  stand- 
ards, the  bureau  is  charged  with  the  following  permanent  duties : 

1.  The  custody  and  preservation  of  the  new  international  metric  prototypes  and 
their  auxiliary  instruments.  .  .     t.    • 

2.  The  future  periodical  comparisons  of  the  several  national  standards  with  the  in- 
ternational prototypes  and  with  their  test  copies,  as  well  as  comparisons  of  the  stand- 
ard thermometers.  ,  ^i      «      ,  ^  i 

3.  The  comparison  with  the  new  primary  metric  standards  of  the  fundamental 
standards  of  weights  and  measures,  other  than  metric,  in  the  different  countries,  and 

in  scientific  use. 

4.  The  standarding  and  comparison  of  goedesical  instruments. 

*    5.  The  comparison  of  standards  and  scales  of  precision,  the  verification  of  which 


^      >- 


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r 


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1 


/ 


> 


y 


y 


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METRIC    SYSTEM. 


65 


may  be  desired  either  by  the  respective  governments  or  by  scientific  societies,  or  even 
by  constructors  aud  by  men  of  scieuce. 

The  expenses  of  the  bureau  are  to  be  defrayed  by  contributions  from  the  several 
governments  of  the  contracting  countries,  based  on  the  numbers  of  the  population  in 
each  country,  multiplied  by  the  factor  3  for  those  c<»untries  where  the  use  of  the  me- 
tric system  is  obligatory,  by  2  where  it  is  legalized  but  not  obligatory,  and  by  1  where 
that  system  is  not  yet  legalized. 

The  cost  of  acquiring  or  constructing  a  special  building,  and  of  purchasing  and  fit- 
ting up  instruments  and  apparatus,  is  not  to  e.s;c(MMl  400,000  francs  (!5;80,000).  The 
annual  expenditure  of  the  bureau  during  the  work  of  comparing  the  new  international 
standards  is  not  to  exceed  100.000  francs  ($20,000),  and  afterward  the  annual  expendi- 
ture is  limited  to  50,000  francs  ($10,000). 

The  committee  is  to  be  itself  i)laced  under  the  authority  of  a  general  conference  of 
weights  and  measures,  formed  of  delegates  of  all  the  governments  contracting. 

The  conference-general  is  to  meet  at  Paris,  when  convoked  by  the  international 
Qommittee,  at  least  once  in  every  six  years. 

Out  of  the  twenty  principal  countries  represented  at  the  conference,  the  convention 
of  May  20  was  signed  by  the  representatives  of  the  following  seventeen  countries: 
Germany,  Italy, 

Austria  and  Hungary,  Peru, 

Belgium,  Portugal, 

Brazil,  Russia, 

Argentine  Republic,  Sweden  and  Korway, 

Denmark,  Switzerland, 

Spain,  Turkey, 

United  States,  Venezuela. 

France, 

The  governments  of  Great  Britain  and  of  Holland  declined  to  take  part  in  the  con- 
vention or  to  contribute  toward  the  expenses  of  the  new  international  metric  bureau. 
No  announcement  has  yet  been  made  on  the  part  of  Greece. 

Provision  is  made  in  the  convention  for  the  future  participation  of  other  states  and 
for  the  withdrawal  of  any  of  the  contracting  parties  after  a  term  of  twelve  years. 

Ratifications  were  exchanged  on  the  20th  of  December,  1875,  by  twelve  states,  and 
at  the  same  time  the  period  of  ratification  was  extended  to  those  states  in  which  there 
had  not  been  time  to  obtain  the  ratification  of  the  legislatures  by  reason  of  their  not 
being  in  session. 

Under  the  terms  of  the  convention,  the  new  international  committee  was  to  be  com- 
posed, in  the  first  instance,  of  the  members  of  the  standing  committee  of  the  interna- 
tional commission  of  1872,  and  with  a  view  to  avoid  needless  delay  it  was  authorized 
to  constitute  itself  at  once,  and  proceed  with  the  preparation  of  plans  for  the  institu- 
tion, and  take  such  other  measures  as  would  not  involve  any  expenditure.  It  was  ac- 
cordingly organized  by  the  selection  of  General  Ibanez,  of  Spain,  as  president,  Dr.  A. 
Hirsh,  of  Switzerland,  as  secretary,  and  Prof.  G.  Govi,  of  Italy,  as  provibional  di- 
rector. 

The  Pavilion  Bretouil,  at  the  entrance  of  the  park  of  St.  Cloud,  has  been  selected  by 
the  committee  as  the  site  of  the  international  bureau,  and  the  Government  of  France 
has  offered  to  transfer  the  same  without  charge.  The  building  is  in  a  somewhat  ruin- 
ous condition,  but  its  walls  are  excellent,  and  estimates  based  upon  detailed  plans  have 
shown  that  the  building  expenses  will  not  exceed  100,000  francs,  leaving  300,000  francs 
of  the  estimated  total  cost  for  instruments,  apparatus,  and  general  outfit. 

It  will  be  seen  from  the  subjoined  table  of  allotments  (Appendix  No.  5)  that  the  es- 
timated charge  to  the  United  States  will  be  as  follows : 

1.  For  thecost  of  the  establishment,  3S,Sb4  francs,  or  $7,400. 

2.  Annual  contribution  for  the  first  period :  that  of  the  construction  and  verification 
of  the  new  standards,  7,285  francs,  or  $1,384. 

3.  Annual  contribution  after  completion  of  new  standards,  4,857  fr.iucs,  or  $924. 

In  the  event  of  the  convention  being  ratified  by  tlie  Senate,  it  will  be  necessary  for 
Congress  to  make  an  appropriation  sufficient  to  cover  our  share  of  the  cost  of  the  estab- 
lishment and  our  annual  cimtribution  for  one  year,  and  estimates  to  that  effect  are  in- 
cluded in  the  estimates  for  the  fiscal  year  lrj7()-'77,  submitted  to  Congress  by  the  Treas- 
ury Department. 

The  subsequent  annual  contributions|might  hereafter  be  included  in  the  estimates  of 
the  Department  of  State  for  the  fulfillment  of  treaty  obligations.  No  public  expendi- 
ture, on  account  of  the  proposition  in  question,  has  hitherto  been  made,  other  than 
authorized  by  appropriations  for  the  construction  of  metric  standards  for  the  States. 
The  attendance  of  Professor  Henry,  in  1870,  and  that  of  Mr.  Hilgard,  in  1872,  at  the 
meetings  of  the  international  commission  were  not  attended  with  any  expense  charged 
to  public  account.  The  only  expenditures  yet  made  are  those  of  transportation  <»f  Mr. 
Hilgard,  in  1874,  as  member  of  the  committee,  amounting  to  $497,  and  those  of  Mr.  H. 
Vignaud,  who  assisted  the  American  minister,  Mr.  E.  B.  Washburne,  as  expert  at  the 

H.  Rep,  14 5 


66 


1 


METRIC   SYSTEM. 


conference  of  1875,  amounting  to  $425,  both  of  which  items  were  considered  by  the 
Treasury  Department  necessary  and  proper  toward  procuring  the  metric  standards  for 
the  States,  for  which  purpose  appropriations  had  been  made. 

In  concluding  this  report  it  is  proper  to  state  that  the  proposition  which  forms  the 
object  of  the  convention  has  received  the  earnest  approbation  of  a  large  number  of 
citizens  of  this  country,  and  the  classes  engaged  in  scientific  pursuits  and  in  education 
may  be  said  to  be  unanimous  in  its  support.  In  addition  to  the  recommendation  of 
the  National  Academy  of  Sciences,  resolutions  adopted  by  the  American  Metrological 
Society  at  its  meeting  in  New  York,  May,  lri75,  and  a  report  to  the  American  Associa- 
tion for  the  Advancement  of  Science,  with  the  resolutions  adopted  at  its  meeting  in 
Detroit,  August,  1875,  are  herewith  communicated  (Appendices  Nos.  6  and  7)  as  evi- 
dences of  the  favorable  sentiment  entertained  throughout  the  country  in  regard  to  the 
proposed  measui-e. 

All  of  which  is  respectfully  submitted  by 

*^  J.  E.  HILGARD, 

AsMistaut  United  Statss  Coast  Surreji  and 
Inspector  United  States  Standard  Weights  and  Measures, 

United  States  Coast-Survey  Office, 

March  3,  1896. 


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^  y 


CHAPTER  III. 

EESPONSES  OF  EXECUTIVE  DEPARTMENTS  TO  THE  RESO- 
LUTION OF  THE  COMMITTEE. 


[Forty-Fifth  Congress,  first  session.] 

Congress  of  The  United  States, 
In  the  Honse  of  Representatives,  Xoremher  6,  1877. 

On  motion  of  Mr.  Clark,  of  Missouri, 

lienolred,  Tbat  the  heads  of  tlie  executive  departments  of  the  government  be,  and 
they  are  hereby,  requested  to  report  to  this  House,  at  as  early  a  date  as  practicable, 
what  objections,  if  any,  there  are  to  making  obligatory  in  all  governmental  transac- 
tions the  metrical  system  of  weights  aud  measures,  whose  use  has  been  authorized  in 
the  United  States  by  act  of  Congress,  aud  also  how  long  a  preliminary  notice  should 
be  given  before  such  obligatory  use  can  be  introduced  without  detriment  to  the  pub- 
lic service ;  and  that  tbey  are  also  requested  to  state  what  objections  there  are,  if  any, 
to  making  tbe  metrical  system  obligatory  in  all  transactions  between  individuals,  and 
what  is  the  earliest  date  that  can  be  set  for  the  obligatory  use  of  the  metrical  system 
throughout  the  United  States. 

Attest ' 

GEO.  M.  ADAMS,  C/crJk. 


Message  from  the  President  of  the  United  States,  in  answer  to  a  rexolntion  of  the  Honse  of 
Representatives,  concerning  the  obligatory  nse  of  the  metrical  xystem  of  weights  and  meas- 
ures. 

November  20, 1877. — Keferred  to  the  Committee  on  Coinage,  "Weights,  and  Measures, 

and  ordered  to  be  printed. 

To  the  Honse  of  Repnxentatires : 

In  answer  to  the  resolution  of  the  House  of  Representatives,  of  the  6th  instant,  re- 
questing the  opinions  of  tbe  heads  of  the  executive  departments  respecting  the  oblig- 
atory use  of  the  metrical  system  of  weightsand  measures,  I  transmit  herewith  a  report 
from  the  Secretary  of  State. 

R.  B.  HAYES. 

Washington,  Xoremher  20, 1877. 


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V 

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Department  of  State, 

Washington,  Xovember  17,  1877. 

The  Secretary  of  State,  in  response  to  the  resolution  of  the  House  of  Representatives 
of  tbe  6th  instant — 

'*  That  the  beads  of  the  executive  departments  be,  aud  they  are  hereby,  requested  to 
report  to  this  House,  at  as  early  a  date  as  practicable,  what  objections,  if  any,  there 
are  to  making  obligatory  in  all  governmental  transactions  the  metrical  system  of 
weights  and  measures,  whose  use  has  been  authorized  in  the  United  States  by  act  of 
Congress;  and  also  how  long  a  preliminary  notice  should  be  given  before  such  t)bliga- 
tory  use  can  be  introduced  without  detriment  to  the  public  service ;  and  that  they  are 
also  requested  to  state  what  objections  there  are,  if  any,  to  ujaking  the  metrical  sys- 
tem obligatory  in  all  transactions  between  individuals,  and  what  is  the  earliest  date 
that  can  be  set  for  the  obligatory  use  of  the  metrical  system  throughout  the  United 
States—" 
has  the  honor  to  report : 

1st.  That  the  obligatory  use  of  the  metrical  system,  so  far  as  the  operations  of  th© 
Department  of  State  are  concerned,  and  especially  its  consular  and  commercial  relifc« 


■f 


68 


METRIC    SYSTEM. 


tions  with  foreijjn  governments,  while  of  convenience  and  utility  with  respect  to  those 
countries  which  have  already  adopted  the  metrical  system  to  the  exclusion  of  all  others, 
would  be  of  no  benetit  with  regard  to  those  countries  which  have  not  so  adopted  it, 
and  would  introduce  detrimental  confusion,  in  particular  in  its  commercial  relations 
with  Great  Britain,  and  other  countries  where  the  system  of  weights  and  measures  is 
the  same  as  that  of  the  United  States,  and  with  which  countries  the  bulk  of  our  for- 
eign commerce  is  at  present  earned  on, 

2d  That  should  the  obligatorv  use  of  the  metrical  system  in  governmental  transac- 
tions be  enacted,  two  years'  preliminary  notice  of  the  change  would  snthce  to  Uring 
the  system  into  harmonious  and  uniform  use  in  this  department  and  its  dependencies 

3<1.  That  the  Department  of  State  does  not  seem  to  the  Secretary  of  State  to  he  in 
a  position  to  express  an  authoritative  opinion  as  to  the  obligatory  adoption  of  the 
metrical  system  in  all  transactions  between  individuals,  inasmuch  as  its  relations 
directly  with  the  people  of  the  United  States  are  not  of  a  character  to  be  either  bene- 
ficiallv  or  injuriously  affected  by  the  sugge^^ted  change.  He  ventures  to  remark,  how- 
ever that  even  in  those  countries,  like  France,  where  the  system  has  been  obligatory 
beyond  the  memory  of  the  present  generation,  the  tradition  of  the  old  systeiii  clings 
among  the  people  and  deiies  complete  eradication  ;  and  that  i!i  other  countries,  like 
Spain;  where  the  metrical  system  is  adopted  in  governmental  transactions  and  legal- 
ized for  those  of  individuals,  the  innovation  is  practically  disregarded  by  the  people, 
and  but  partially  conlormed  to  by  the  government,  which  is  comi)elled  to  recognize 
the  validity  of  the  (dd  standards,  in  which  the  continuing  transactions  of  the  nation, 
such  as  the  registration  of  landed  property,  the  assessment  of  industrial  taxation, 
&c.,  are  still,  and  must  be  of  necessity  for  many  years,  recorded,  \\hile  recognizing 
that  the  proposed  measure  is  one  mainly  affecting  the  people,  and  therefore  properly 
to  be  legislated  upon  by  the  popular  representatives,  the  Department  of  State,  being 
called  upon  for  a  speciHc  opinion  on  the  subject,  is,  on  the  whole,  indisposed  to  recom- 
mend the  obligatory  use  of  the  metrical  system  in  all  transactions  between  individuals. 

4th.  That  should  its  obligatory  use  as  between  individuals  be  enacted,  a  period  ot 
not  less  than  live  years  should  be  allowed  to  elapse  before  the  act  takes  effect ;  and 
that  even  then,  provision  should  be  made  for  the  recognition  of  the  legal  validity  ot 
transactions  according  to  the  present  lawful  systems  of  weights  and  measures. 

Respectfully  submitted.  ^^   ^    EVARTS. 

To  the  President. 


^|y 


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^ir 


LETTER  FROM  THE  SECRETARY  OP  THE  NA\'Y,  IN  REPLY  TO  A  RESOLUTION  FROM  THE 
HOUSE  OF  REPRESENTATIVES  IN  REFERENCE  TO  THE  METRICAL  SYSTEM  OF  WEIGHTS 
AND  MEASURES. 

November  20. 1877.— Referred  to  the  Committee  on  Coinage,  Weights,  and  Measures. 

November  22, 1877.— Ordered  to  be  printed. 

Navy  Department, 
Washington,  November  19, 1877. 

Sir  :  I  have  the  honor  to  acknowledge  the  receipt  of  the  following  resolution,  adopted 
bv  the  House  of  Representatives  ou  the  6th  instant :  ,  j  xu 

"That  the  heads  of  the  executive  departments  of  the  government  be,  and  they  are 
hereby,  requested  to  report  to  this  House,  at  as  early  a  date  as  practicable,  what  ob- 
lections,  if  any,  there  are  to  making  obligatory  in  all  governmental  transactions  the 
metrical  system  of  weights  and  measures,  whose  use  has  been  authorized  in  the  United 
States  by  act  of  Congress ;  and  also  how  long  a  preliminary  notice  should  be  given  be- 
fore such  obligatorv  use  can  be  introduced  without  detriment  to  the  public  service ; 
and  that  they  are  also  requested  to  state  what  objections  there  are,  if  any,  to  making 
the  metrical  svstem  obligatory  in  all  transactions  between  individuals,  and  what  is  the 
earliest  date  that  can  be  set  for  the  obligatory  use  of  the  metrical  system  throughout 

the  United  States."  «        .   ,  .         ,  n  •     * 

If  it  were  desired  to  make  the  metrical  system  of  weights  and  measures  obligatory 
in  all  «rovernment  transactions,  the  Navy  Department  perceives  no  objection  to  it,  ex- 
cept in  so  far  as  it  regards  the  soundings  given  on  charts.  If  it  were  applied  to  these 
it  would  probably  involve  a  total  loss  of  all  charts  and  chart- plates  now  in  use.  The 
alteration  of  these  would  give  them  no  increased  value;  and  as  long  as  English  charts 
remain  in  fathoms  and  feet  it  would  be,  in  fact,  prejudicial,  and  prevent  that  free  use 
and  interchange  of  charts  which  seems  essential  to  navigators. 

So  far  as  this  department  is  concerned,  no  longer  notice  would  be  necessary  than 
was  sufficient  to  furnish  the  standard  weights  and  measures  adopted  for  government 
ase. 


<  y 


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METRIC    SYSTEM. 


69 


Respecting  the  last  inquiry  submitted  by  the  resolution,  ''  What  objections  there 
are,  if  any,  to  making  the  metrical  system  obligatory  in  all  transactions  between  indi- 
viduals, and  what  is  the  earliest  date  that  can  be  set  for  the  obligatory  use  of  the 
metrical  system  throughout  the  United  States?"  the  department  is  unable  to  give  a 
definite  answer,  inasmuch  as  it  is  not  informed  as  to  the  present  intention  of  the  bng- 
lish-speaking  peoples  in  regard  to  the  arloption  of  the  proposed  change.  However  de- 
sirable or  advantageous  in  theory  the  change  might  seem,  if  adopted  by  us  and  not  by 
the  other  peoples  speaking  the  English  language,  it  would  seem  probable  that  a  mutual 
disadvantage  would  exist  growing  out  of  diverse  weights  and  measures. 

It  may  be  assumed  that  a  more  general  intercourse  will  exist  between  peoples  speak- 
ing a  common  language  than  between  peoples  who  speak  different  languages.  And 
looking  at  the  present,  geographical  extent  of  the  countries  wherein  the  English  lan- 
guage is  used,  and  the  importance  of  their  commercial  intercourse,  and  also  its  future 
importance,  as  compared  with  any  other  of  the  spoken  languages,  at  a  period  not  at 
all  remote,  if  regarded  historically,  it  would  seem  to  be  of  doubtful  expediency  to  sep- 
arate ourselves  from  what  is  now  common  in  weights  and  measures  with  other  people 
who  speak  our  language,  and  with  whom  it  is  desirable  to  increase  rather  than  dimin- 
ish our  commercial  intercourse.  Experience  would  indicate  that  we  should  hold  our- 
selves in  accord  with  them,  rather  than  adopt  other  standards,  however  theoretically 
advantageous,  for  it  will  be  impossible  to  escape  many  practical  disadvantages  if  our 
standard's  vary  from  theirs,  so  long  as  our  intercourse  shall  continue. 

1  have  the  houor  to  be,  very  respectfally,  ^    ^   THOMPSON, 

Secretary  of  the  Xavy. 

Hon.  Samuel  J.  Randall, 

Speaker  of  the  House  of  Representatives, 


LETTKR  from  the  postmaster-general,  in   reply  to  a  resolution  of  the  HOUSE 

OF  representatives  in  rkferbnce  to  the  metrical  system  of  weights  and 
measures. 

NovEMUEK  20,  1677— Referred  to  the  Committee  on  Coinage,  Weights,  and  Meaaures. 

ITovEMBEit  22,  1877.— Ordered  to  l»e  printed. 

Post-Office  Department, 
WashUujton,  D.  C,  November  19,  1877. 

Sir:  In  reply  to  the  request  contained  in  the  resolution  of  the  House  of  Represent- 
atives of  date'the  6th  instant  (a  copy  of  which  is  hereunto  appended,  marked  A),  I 
have  to  say  that  the  only  objections  to  making  the  use  of  the  metric  system  of  weights 
and  measures  obligatory  throughout  the  domestic  postal  service,  which  occur  to  me  as 
having  been  made  or  as  likely  to  be  made,  are  two:  one  based  on  the  expense  inci- 
dent to  the  change  of  systems,  and  the  other  based  ou  an  apprehension  that  the  prac- 
tical Winkings  of  a  new"  system  will  fail  to  give  satisfaction,  owing  to  the  lack  of  knowl- 
edge of  the  metric  system  and  experience  in  its  use  and  application  on  the  part  of  a 
great  many  postmasters,  e-jpecially  at  the  small  post-othces,  and  of  the  public  at  large. 

In  onler  to  ascertain  the  probable  force  of  the  first  objection,  I  have  caused  the 
blank  agent  of  this  department  (who  is  the  officer  charged  with  the  duty  of  sui>ervis- 
ing  the  supplying  of  balances  and  scales  for  use  in  the  postal  service)  to  make  an  es- 
timate of  the  probable  number,  grade,  and  cost  of  the  balances  and  scales  of  the  metric 
system  which  should  be  provided  to  take  the  place  of  those  now  in  use  in  case  a 
change  is  ordered.  His  estimate  (herewith  submitted,  marked  B)  puts  the  number  ol 
the  various  grades  at  43,867,  and  Fairbanks  &  Co.'s  (the  present  contractors)  price- 
list  cost  of  that  number  of  those  now  in  use  at  $166,384.  Assuming  that  the  cost  of 
metric  scales  and  balances  would  b-i  no  greater  than  chat  of  the  ones  now  used,  and 
that  a  discount  of  2.^>  per  cent,  on  the  list-price  would  be  made,  the  sum  of  $124,788 
would  be  called  for  as  an  immediate  outlay  to  provide  for  the  change. 

In  regard  to  the  second  objection,  it  is  not  to  be  denied  that  the  metric  system  of 
weights  and  measures  corresponds  in  principle  with  the  decimal  system  long  in  use  in 
the  United  Statesforcoinageand  money-valuations,  and  that  presumptively  no  greater 
inherent  difficulty  is  likely  to  be  encountered  in  the  application  of  the  decimal  system 
to  our  weights  and  measures  in  the  domestic  postal  service  than  was  met  in  the  change 
from  the  English  system  of  coinage  and  money-valuations  to  the  present  one.  The 
latter  is  certainly  the  simpler  one,  and  has  for  some  time  past  been  in  use  for  the  for- 
eign mail  service  of  this  department.  The  objection,  then,  is  in  my  opinion  founded 
on  an  apprehen8i«m  that  mistakes  and  consequently  resulting  annoyances,  and  possibly 
losses,  would  occur  in  the  practical  application,  and  not  on  any  well-grounded  objec- 


70 


METRIC    SYSTEM. 


METRIC    SYSTEM. 


71 


tion  to  the  principle  of  the  metric  system.    This  apprehension  would,  I  believe,  be 
greatly  lessened,  if  not  altogether  abated,  were  snfficient  time  given  for  familiarizing 

gostmasters  and  the  general  public  with  the  practical  workings  of  the  new  system 
efore  discontinuing  the  use  of  the  old  one. 

Therefore,  if  Congress  in  its  wisdom  decide  that  the  use  of  the  metric  system  of 
weights  and  measures  shall  be  extended  to  the  entire  postal  service  of  this  country,  I 
suggest  that  an  adequate  appropriation  be  made  to  supply  all  the  post-offices  in  the 
United  States  with  suitable  scales  and  balances  of  ihat  system,  and  that  after  such 
supply  is  completed,  a  certain  time,  say  six  months,  be  allowed  before  requiring  their 
obligatory  use.  Twelve  months  would.  I  suppose,  be  ample  tinie  to  supply  the  otfices, 
and  eighteen  months  after  such  appropriation  is  available  the  new  system  could  go 
into  operation. 

I  have  only  the  same  means  that  any  other  citizen  has  of  forming  a  judgment  in  re- 
gard to  the  last  inquiry  made  in  the  resolution  of  the  House,  and  I  theiei'ore  deem  it 
proper  not  to  attempt  to  make  an  answer  to  it  in  this  connection. 

I  have  the  honor  to  be,  very  respectfuUv,  your  obedient  servant, 

D.  M.  KEY, 
J*ostma8itr-GeneraL 
Hon.  Samuel  J.  Randall, 

Speaker  of  the  Hotixe  of  J!epreseutatires, 


B. 

Blank  Agency, 

IVaHhhifitoH,  1).  ('.,  yontnber  l.j,  1^77. 

Sir:  In  answer  to  your  questions,  I  can  only  approximate  sis  to  the  probable  num- 
ber and  cost  of  the  introduction  into  all  the  post-ottices  of  the  United  iStates  ot  balances 
denominated  in  grams  ot  the  metric  system. 

The  present  number  of  post-offices  in  the  United  States  is  37,575,  with  an  average 
annual  increase  of  one  thousand. 

Added  to  this,  there  are  many  of  the  larger  offices  requiring  more  than  one  of  the 
smaller  balances,  and  at  all  offices  where  new8i)apers  are  mailed  in  bulk  the  larger 
scales  are  used. 

I  have  therefore. thought  it  fair  to  estimate  as  follows: 


Weight. 


Number.    Piice. 


8  ounces 39,000 

4  pounds 3.000 

62pounfl8 1.2<'0 

240  pounds 'iOO 

600  pounds 50 

1,000  pounds 10 

S;  000  pounds -j  ^ 


$3  00 

6  00 

1-2  00 

14  00 

:jo  00 

51  (K) 

82  00 


43,  UGl 


Total  cost. 


$117,000 

24.  000 

14,400 

8.400 

1,500 

510 

574 


166,384 


In"  computing  the  prices  in  the  above  table,  I  have  taken  the  "Price-list  of  Fairbanks 
&  Co."  for  the  ordinary  scales  now  in  use,  and  am  informed  that  a  very  liberal  deduc- 
tion will  be  made  to  cash  purchasers. 

In  regard  to  the  sujjgestion  of  attaching  a  beam  to  the  present  letter-balances  upon 
which  to  weigh  by  French  grams,  and  the  other  plan  of  adapting  the  scales  already 
in  use  to  this  system  by  sending  a  "  clamping-screw "  of  the  requisite  additional 
weight,  to  increase,  by  adding  to  the  poise,  each  by  its  nineteenth  part,  I  herewith  in- 
close valuable  ct>rresnondenee  o  t  that  subject,  with  particular  reference  to  the  letter 
of  Fairbanks  &  Co.,  of  July  l.'i,  1-574,  wherein  they  set  forth  the  utter  impracticability 
of  adopting  either  plan  without  great  liability  to  mistakes,  or  the  necessity  of  sending 
skilled  workmen  to  adjust  each  scale. 

I  am,  vei*y  respectfuUv,  your  obedient  servant, 

D.  W.  RHODES, 

SuperinteudenL 
Hon.  J.  W.  Mar.siiall, 

Superintendent  Railway  Mail  Strvid'. 


LETTER  FROM  THE  SECRETARY  OP  WAR,  TRANSMITTING  REPORTS  OF  CHIEFS  OF  BU- 
REAUS UPON  THE  ADOPTION  OF  THE  METRICAL  SYSTEM,  IN  RESPONSE  TO  A  RESO- 
LUTION OF  THE   HOUSE   OF   REPRESENTATIVES. 

December  7, 1877.— Referred  to  the  Committee  on  Coinage,  Weights,  and  Measures,  and  ordered  to  be 

printed. 

War  Department, 
ff'ashniiffon  Citify  December  5,  1877. 

The  Secretary  of  War  has  the  honor  to  transmit  to  the  House  of  Representatives,  in 
response  to  the  resolution  of  the  House  of  the  6th  of  November,  1877,  reports  from  the 
chiefs  of  bureaus  of  the  War  Department  relative  to  the  adoption  of  the  metrical  sys- 
tem of  weights  and  measures  for  use  in  governmental  transactions  and  between  indi- 
viduals. 

GEO.  W.  McCRARY, 

Secretary  of  War. 
The  Speaker  of  the  House  of  Bepresevtatires. 


■<iy 


il  Y 


-<\y 


[Forty-fifth  Congress,  first  session.] 

Congress  of  the  United  States, 
Tn  the  Honne  of  Repreacniatires,  Xovember  0,  1877. 

On  motion  of  Mr.  Clark,  of  Missouri, 

Resolved,  That  the  heads  of  the  executive  departments  of  the  govern nu-ut  be,  and 
they  are  hereby,  requested  to  report  to  this  House,  at  as  early  a  date  as  practicable, 
what  objections,  if  any,  there  are  to  making  obligatory  in  all  governmental  transac- 
tions the  metrical  system  of  weights  and  measures,  whose  use  has  been  authorized  in 
the  United  States  by  act  of  Congress,  and  also  how  long  a  preliminary  notice  should 
be  given  before  such  obligatory  use  can  be  introduced  without  detriment  to  the  public 
service;  and  that  they  are  also  requested  to  state  what  objections  there  are,  if  any,  to 
making  the  metrical  system  obligatory  in  all  transactions  between  individuals,  and 
what  is  the  earliest  date  that  can  be  set  for  the  obligatory  use  of  the  metrical  system 
throughout  the  United  States. 

Attest:  GEO.  M.  ADAMS,  Clerk. 


Report  from  the  Adjutant-General 

Adjutant-General's  Office, 

JVashington,  Xoremher  10, 1877. 

Sir:  Referring  to  the  House  resolution  of  the  6th  instant,  calling  on  heads  of  depart- 
ments for  report  as  to  what  objections  there  are,  if  any,  against  the  adoption  of  the 
metrical  system  of  weights  and' measures,  as  authorized  by  act  of  Congress,  referred  to 
this  office  for  early  report,  I  have  the  honor  to  reply  that,  as  the  use  of  weights  and 
measures  does  not  fall  under  this  office,  it  has  not  the  requisite  experience  on  which  to 
form  an  opinion. 
I  have  the  honor  to  be,  sir,  very  respectfully,  your  obedient  servant, 

E.  D.  TOWNSEND, 

Adjutant- Gen&al. 

The  honorable  the  Secretary  of  War. 


Report  from  the  Inspector-GeneraL 

Headquarters  of  the  Army, 
InHpector-GeneraVa  Office,  Washington,  Xovember  16,  1877. 

Respectfully  returned  to  the  Secretary  of  War. 

Although  I  have  had  no  practical  experience  in  the  use  of  the  metrical  system  of 
weights  and  measures,  yet,  in  my  judj;ment,  the  compulsory  change  from  thr  present 
system  would  be  inexpedient,  as  involving  a  large  outlay  of  money  without  adequate 

comparative  results. 

^  R.  B.  MARCY, 

Innpector-  General. 


72 


METRIC    SYSTEM. 


METRIC   SYSTEM. 


73 


Report  from  the  Judge- AdrocaU -General. 

Bureau  of  Miutary  Justic*:, 

November  14,  1877. 

Respectfully  returned  to  the  Secretary  of  War. 

While  generally  irapresned  with  the  excellence  of  the  French  metric  system,  and 
witli  the  desirableness  of  adopting  a  system,  on  a  decimal  basis,  which  shall  be  com- 
mon to  civilized  nations,  I  have  no  snch  expert  knowledge  of  the  details  or  operation 
of  the  French  system  as  to  enable  me  to  express  an  intelligent  opinion  thereon.  The 
subject  is  one  wholly  without  my  official  province. 

W.  M.  DUNN, 
Judge- Advocate- General. 

Report  from  the  Qnartermaster-GeneraL 

War  Department, 
Quartermaster-General's  Office, 

Washington,  I).'  C,  Xorember  10,  1877. 

Sir:  In  reply  to  the  reference  of  the  resolntion  of  the  House  of  Representatives  of 
the  (ith  instant,  in  regard  to  the  objections  which  may  exist  to  making  the  use  of  the 
metric  system  of  weights  and  measures  obligatory,  first  in  all  government  transactions, 
and,  second,  in  all  transactions  between  individuals,  and  the  length  of  preliminary 
notice  desirable  before  such  metric  law  goes  into  operation  in  the  United  States,  I  have 
the  honor  to  say  that  if  the  law  makes  the  use  of  the  metric  system  obligatory  in  all 
government  transactions,  it  can  be  adopted  by  officers  of  the  Quartermaster's  Depart- 
ment as  soon  as  notified  by  general  orders. 

Such  an  order  can  be  distributed  to  every  military  post  within  the  space  of  one 
month  from  time  of  its  publication,  and,  if  tlie  telegraph  be  used,  within  one  week. 

The  objections  thereto,  which  at  once  occur  to  me,  are  : 

Ist.  It  will  very  considerably  increase  the  labor  of  computation,  for,  in  practice,  all 
sellers  to  the  United  States  will  make  their  deliveries  in  accordance  with  the  English 
measures  now  in  general  use,  and  the  officers,  using  the  ordinary  scales  for  weight, 
and  the  yard,  fot>t,  and  inch,  and  bushel,  g»llon,  quart,  and  pint  ft)r  measures,  will  first 
ascertain  the  quantities  and  sizes  in  the  present  weights  and  measures,  and  then,  by 
the  use  of  tables  to  be  distributed,  will  reduce  them  to  metric  quantities  in  their  state- 
ment of  their  vouchers,  receipts,  and  accounts,  which  will,  it  appears  to  me,  be  per- 
fectly useless  labor. 

2d.  This  reduction,  involving  additional  calculations  and  transfers  from  one  set  of 
units  to  another,  unfamiliar  and  much  less  convenient,  will  infallibly  be  the  source  of 
many  mistakes,  to  the  loss  of  the  disbursing-officer  of  the  Treasury,  or  of  the  person 
who  sells  supplies  to  the  United  States. 

3d.  It  will  be  necessary,  in  order  to  make  the  operation  of  such  a  law  really  success- 
ful, to  throw  away  all  the  hay-scales  and  other  platform-scales  whose  beams  are  now 
divided  according  to  the  American  standard  units  of  weight,  and  all  the  rules  and 
measures  divided  according  to  the  yard,  foot,  and  inch,  and  all  the  weights,  pounds, 
ounces,  or  grains  of  avoirdupois,  troy,  and  apothecaries'  weight,  and  to  purchase,  dis- 
tribute, and  substitute  new  scales  and  new  weights  aco  »rding  to  the  metric  system. 
These  changes  will  be  expensive.  The  trouble  and  labor  I  do  not  speak  of,  as  such 
labor  will,  in  case  of  the  passage  of  a  law,  simply  be  the  duty  of  all  officers  and  em- 
ployes of  the  United  States. 

4th.  If  the  metric  system  is  made  obligatory  in  government  transactions  and  not  in 
transactions  between  individuals,  then  continual  confusion  and  misunderstanding  will 
be  caused  by  the  use  of  one  standard  by  the  government  and  another  by  the  people. 
All  packages  are  put  up  by  merchants',  manufacturers,  and  producers  in  accordance 
with  the  actual  legal  standards,  pound.s,  ounces,  grains,  yards,  feet,  inches.  The  trans- 
actions of  the  United  States,  large  as  they  are,  are  insignificant  compared  with  those 
of  private  tra^le.  Manufacturers  and  consumers,  and  the  people  will  not  change  their 
customs  at  the  call  of  the  officers  of  the  United  States. 

In  regard  to  making  the  metric  system  obligatory  in  transactions  between  individ- 
uals: 

Ist.  I  do  not  believe  that  this  is  within  the  power  of  Congress,  It  will  be  looked 
upon  by  the  people  as  an  arbitrary  and  unjust  interference  with  their  private  business 
and  individual  rights,  and  I  do  not  think  that  they  will  submit  to  it.  It  will  inflict, 
if  it  can  be  enforced,  a  great  loss  upon  many,  especially  upon  manufacturers  and  me- 
chanics whose  shops  are  filled  with  costly  tools,  standard  gauges,  dies  and  machines, 
all  constructed  upon  the  basis  of  the  foot  and  inch. 

Every  geared  lathe  in  the  United  States  depends  upon  a  screw  of  a  certain  number 
of  threads  to  the  inch,  and  all  the  screws  it  produces  are  gauged  in  pitch  and  diame- 
ter by  the  inch. 


■<l  V 


i|> 


-ilY 


V 


y 


< 


> 


The  meter  is  not  commensurate  with  the  inch,  foot,  or  yard  ;  all  reductions  are  ap- 
proximate only.  The  law  of  July  27,  18(56,  makes  the  use  of  the  metric  system  per- 
missive, legal,  but  not  obligatory,  and  establishes  for  the  reduction  of  meters  to  inches, 
and  the  reverse,  the  ratio  of  one  meter  to  thirty-nine  and  thirty-seven  hundredths 
inches,  which  is  not  absolutely  CiTrect.  To  alter  all  this  machinery,  to  change  all 
these  machines,  gauges,  dies,  screws,  and  other  parts  of  engines,  will  be  the  work  of 
years;  it  will  cost  millions  of  dollars. 

The  metric  system  is  not  a  convenient  one  for  common  use.  Its  measures  are  not  of 
convenient  huigth.  The  yard,  half  the  stature  of  a  man.  is  of  convenient  length  to 
handle,  to  use,  to  apply.  It,  and  the  goods  measured  by  it,  can  be  halved,  quartered, 
subdivided  into  eighths,  sixteenths,  thirty-seconds,  sixty- fourths,  ttc. ;  or  it  can  be 
with  equal  facility  divided  into  tentlis,  hundredths,  thousandths.  Half  a  meter  is  no 
dimension;  half  a  centimeter  is  an  unknown  quantity ;  but  half  a  yard,  half  a  loot, 
half  an  inch,  half  a  bushel,  one-fourth  of  a  bushel,  of  a  quart,  of  a  pint,  &c.,  are  rec- 
ognized. If  half  a  liter,  of  a  deciliter,  or  a  quarter,  eighth,  or  sixteenth  of  these  quan- 
tities is  provided  for,  then  the  metric  decimal  system  is  abandoned  at  once. 

In  calculation  the  metric  system  applies  admirably  t<»  money  and  accounts  of  money  ; 
but  even  here  the  government  has  been  obliged  to  abandon  for  the  convenience  of  the 
people  the  true,  strict,  decimal  system,  and  to  coin  half  a  dollar,  half  an  eagle,  the 
quarter  of  a  dollar,  &^. 

In  the  use  of  weights  and  measures,  however,  there  are  not  so  great  advaiita;;es  in 
the  decimal  system.  The  unit  is  too  large,  and  the  numbers  produced  and  used  in  the 
calculations  of  the  engineer  are  tedious  to  write  and  are  beyond  the  limits  of  ready 
apprehension. 

The  ciphers  and  figures  0.00000073  convey  no  idea  to  a  mind  trained  in  the  Enulish 
and  American  system,  and  yet  such  combinations  are  common  in  French  works  of  sci- 
ence and  mechanics. 

The  true  scientific  natural  basis  of  the  metric  system  has  been  abandoned.  The 
meter  was  intended  and  enacted  to  be  the  ten  millionth  of  the  quadrant  of  the  terres- 
trial meridian  of  Paris.  In  the  progress  of  geode.sy  and  science,  it  is  as.  ertained  that 
the  standard  meter  bears  no  relation  to  that  quadrant,  and  though  it  is  probably  very 
nearly  the  ten  millionth  of  the  qua<lrant  of  the  meridian  in  which  Ne  jv  York  lies,  it  is 
not  probable  that  it  is  the  ten  millionth  of  either  of  the  three  other  quadrants  of  that 
meridian,  or  of  any  quadrant  of  any  other  meridian. 

The  fact  is,  that,  the  meter  is  quite  as  arbitrary  and  unscientific  a  stan<lard  as  the 
foot  or  yard.  U  is  of  less  ccmvenient  length  than  either  of  them,  and  its  compulsory 
adoption  would  derange  the  titles  and  records  of  every  farm  and  of  every  city  and 
village  lot  in  the  United  States;  would  put  every  merchant,  farmer,  manufacturer, 
and  mechanic  to  an  unnecessary  expense  and  trouble,  and  all,  it  seems  to  me,  for  the 
sake  of  indulging  a  fancy  only,  and  a  baseless  fancy,  of  closet  philosophers  and  mathe- 
matici  ns  for  a  s<:ientific  basis  of  me;isures  and  weights  which  (as  the  meter  is  not  a 
ten  millionth  of  the  Paris  quadrant,  is  not  what  it  professes  to  be,  was  enacted  to  be) 
cannot  be  found  in  the  French  metric  system. 

1.  The  unit  of  length: 

The  meter  is  3.2S0890+  feet,  or  39.37079-f  inches. 

2.  The  unit  of  area: 

The  are  is  119.t)0332-{-  square  yards. 
3    The  unit  of  liquid  measure: 
The  liter  is  0.264 186:?5-f-  gallon,  or  1.0567454-f-  quarts,  or  2.1134908-|-  pints. 

4.  The  unit  of  npace: 

The  steie  is  l.:«)87C4-f  cubic  yards,  or  35.38663t>-|-  cubic  feet. 

5.  Thn  unir  of  weight  is: 

The  gram  =  15.43234874-(-  grains  troy. 

6.  The  unit  <»f  roods  is: 

The  kilometer  =  1000  meters  =  0  62138-f-  mile. 

7.  The  unit  of  land  measure  for  farms  and  city  lots  is: 
The  hectare,  2.47114-|-  acres. 

8.  The  commercial  unit  of  weights  is: 

The  kilogram  =  1000  grams  =: 2.204()2l25-f  pounds  avoirdupois. 
What  will  our  farmers,  citizens,  merchants,  tradesmen,  mechanics,  do  with  these  fig- 
ures ?    And  will  they  submit  to  being  obliged  to  reduce  acres,  feet,  inches,  pounds,  and 
ounces  hy  multiply injj  or  dividing  by  the  above  figures  ? 

I  think  that  to  make  the  French  metric  system  obligatory  between  individuals  in 
this  country  will  l»e  an  impolitic  and  arbitrary  interference  with  the  rights,  interests, 
and  habits  and  customs  of  the  people. 

Very  respectfully,  your  obedient  servant, 

M.  C.  MEIGS, 
Quartermaster- General,  Brt.  Major- General,  F.  S.  A. 

The  Hon.  Secretary  of  War. 


74 


METRIC    SYSTEM. 


liepori  from  the  Surgeon-General. 


<  y 


METRIC    SYSTEM. 


75 


War  Department, 
Surgeon-General's  Office, 
JVaHhington,  1).  C,  yoremhtr  17,  1877. 

Sir:  In  compliance  with  instractions  from  yonr  office  contained  in  an  indorsement 
upon  ji  copy  of  the  resolntion  adopted  by  the  House  of  Representatives,  calling  for 
reports  as  to  objections  to  making  the  use  of  the  metrical  system  of  weights  and  meas- 
nres  obligatory  in  all  government  transactions,  and  also  obligatory  in  all  transactions 
between  individnals,  1  have  the  honor  to  report  as  follows: 

I.  As  to  the  first  of  the  qnestions  submitted  in  the  resolution,  I  feel  constrained  to 
express  the  opinion  that  the  gravest  inconveniences  would  immediately  result  from 
an  attempt  to  render  obligatory  upon  government  officers  only  the  use  of  a  system  of 
weights  and  measures  whose  units  are  so  entirely  different  from  those  which  have  hereto- 
fore been,  and  would  then  continue  to  be,  in  general  use  among  the  people.  I  pass  by 
the  enormous  difficulties  which  would  result  from  compelling  government  officers  to 
use  a  different  unit  for  the  measnrets  of  length  from  that  used  by  the  people.  This 
would  not  only  throw  into  confusion  the  whole  system  of  land  measurement  as  prac- 
ticed in  the  UiJited  States,  but  would  produce  the  most  serious  inconveniences  from 
the  resulting  effort  to  use  in  all  government  works  tools  and  machinery  gauged  by  a 
different  standard  from  those  in  commcm  use.  These  and  similar  inconveniences, 
some  of  them  of  the  most  deplorable  kind,  wonld  be  felt  so  much  more  severely  by 
other  departments  of  the  government  that  the  duty  of  representing  the  force  of  these 
objections  may  safely  be  left  to  them.  I  confine  myself,  therefore,  in  this  report,  to  a 
brief  stjitenient  of  the  disastrous  inconveniences  which  would  result  to  tl  e  medical 
department  of  the  Ai my  from  the  measure  in  question.  This  measure  would  compel 
the  substitution  of  the  metric  system  of  weights  and  measures  in  prescribing  and  dis- 
pensing medicines  in  the  Army  for  the  system  of  apothecaries'  weights  and  measures 
at  present  in  use  by  the  medical  profession  of  the  United  States. 

In  all  the  medical  an<l  surgical  works  of  any  imp<»rtance  printed  in  the  English  lan- 
guage the  doses  are  expressed  in  apothecaries'  weights  and  measures.  The  immediate 
effect  of  compelling  medical  officers  of  the  Army  to  substitute  the  metrical  weights 
and  measures  would  be  to  force  them  to  make  a  series  of  arithmetical  calculations 
every  time  they  attempt  to  use  the  prescriptions  or  doses  laid  down  in  any  medical 
work  written  in  the  English  language.  Tbis  thankless  and  unnecessary  labor  would 
waste  much  precious  time,  and  an  error  might  co«4t  life.  Moreover,  the  strength  of 
the  various  medical  tinctures  and  solutions  in  use  in  England  and  America  has  been  so 
adjusted  that  the  proper  dose  is  expressed  in  even  minims,  draclnns,  or  fluid  ounces. 
Merely  to  substitute  for  these  simple  quantities  the  corresponding  fractioual  numbers 
wonld  be  a  silly  waste  of  labor ;  and  in  order  tbat  a  proper  dose  might  be  expressed 
in  an  even  number  of  cubic  centimeters,  a  revision  of  the  Pharmacoposia  would  be 
necessary,  and  this  would  have  to  be  followed  by  a  corresponding  revision  of  all  the 
medical  books  in  common  use  before  the  new  Pharmacopona  could  be  conveniently 
used.  In  njy  opinion  the  best  interests  of  sick  officers  and  soldiers  require  that  the 
medical  statiof  the  Army  should,  iu  all  its  o^ierations,  act  in  the  most  complete  har- 
mony with  the  mediciil  profession  of  the  United  States,  and  I  cannot  do  otherwise 
than  express  my  belief  that  the  discordance  in  practice,  which  would  be  imposed  by 
such  a  statute  as  is  suggested,  would  be  fraught  with  tlie  most  unfortunate  conse- 
quences. 

II.  As  to  the  second  question,  while  I  admit  that  the  enforced  introduction  of  the 
metric  system  would  produce  less  detriment  to  the  public  service  if  it  were  rendered 
obligatory  upon  the  whole  people  than  if  its  use  were  sim|)ly  compelled  in  government 
transaitions,  I  must  express  the  opinion  that  great  public  inconvenieuce  would  result 
if  at  the  present  time  its  gener.il  use  were  rendered  obligatory  Ijy  the  exercise  of  an 
arbitrary  act  of  power  I  leave  to  otlit^rs  to  point,  our  the  disorders  likely  ti  result 
in  the  land  measurements,  the  railroad  interests,  and  the  general  machinery  interests 
of  the  United  States,  in  all  of  which  the  units  at  present  employed  are  incommensur- 
able with  those  of  the  metric  system,  so  tbat  the  use  of  long  decim.il  frjictions  in  the 
most  ordinary  transactions  would  become  inn)erativ<ly  necessary  as  the,  only  road  of 
escape  fronisrill  greater  evils.  I  conrine  myself  nuivly  to  the  question  oi'  the  interests 
of  the  medical  profession  of  the  United  States,  and  must  expre^s  tlie  opinion  that  it 
will  be  time  enough  when  they  have  asked  for  it  to  impose  upon  tliat  body  a  change 
which  will  put  all  their  operations  out  of  harm«Miy  with  the  similar  proceedings  of 
oth  r  English-speaking  nations.  For  assuredly  many  of  the  inconveniences  which 
would  be  felt  by  government  officers  if  compelled  to  use  a  system  of  weights  and 
measures  not  used  l>y  the  people  would  be  felt  by  the  whole  people  if  they  are  com- 
pelled to  use  a  system  so  materially  different  from  that  employed  by  other  English- 
speaking  people.  These  inconveniences  would  only  be  reduced  to  the  minimum,  if, 
by  an  international  convention  between  the  United  States  and  Great  Britain,  a  mutual 
agreement  were  entered  into  to  bring  the  system  simultaneously  into  use  among  all 


^l> 


^Iv 


English-speaking  people.  Unless  8<nne  such  international  arrangement  can  be  effected 
I  think  it  would  be  wiser  for  the  friends  of  the  metriQ  system  to  remam  for  the  present 
content  with  the  law  which  has  legalized  its  use  by  those  who  may  find  it  well  adapted 
for  their  own  particular  work.  If  it  possesses  the  great  advantages  claimed  lor  it  t»ver 
the  older  system,  its  use  being  already  authorized  by  law,  it  will  gradually  extend 
until  it  has  crowded  all  others  out  of  existence,  and  no  further  legislation  than  that 
already  had  will  be  iiecessarv  to  secure  ultimately  its  general  introduction.  If,  how- 
ever, its  advantages  are  so  far  counterbalanced  by  its  disadvantages,  at  some  of  which 
I  have  briefly  hinted,  that  its  use  having  been  legalized,  the  people  will  not  employ  it 
of  their  own  accord,  its  enforced  introduction  would  be  a  great  public  wrong. 
I  am,  sir,  very  respectfully,  your  obedient  servant,  ^    ,^    „ » „x^,,« 

J.  K.  BAKiSliio, 
Surgeon-General^  U.  S.  A. 

The  Hon.  Secretary  of  War. 


^\y 


<i> 


-( 


Y 


/ 

i 


Y 


-< 


> 


Jieport  from  the  Commissary-General  of  Suhslstence, 

War  Department, 
Office  Commissary-General  of  Subsistence, 

Washington^  D.  C,  November  IG,  1S77. 

Sir  :  In  reply  to  your  reference  of  the  8th  instant  for  my  views  of  a  copy  of  the  reso- 
lution of  the  House  of  Representatives,  adopted  on  the  6th  instant  on  motion  of  Mr. 
Clark,  of  Missouri,  requesting  the  heads  of  the  executive  departments  of  the  govern- 
ment to  report  ''  what  objections,  if  any,  there  are  to  making  obligatory,  in  all  ;:ov- 
ernment  transactions,  the  metrical  system  of  weights  and  measures  whose  use  lias 
already  been  authorize«l  by  act  of  Congress;  and  also  how  long  a  preliminary  notice 
should  be  given  before  such  obligatory  use  can  be  introduced  without  detriment  to 
the  public  service;"  and  also  "  what  objections  there  are,  if  any,  to  making  the  met- 
rical system  obligatorv  in  nil  transactions  between  individuals,  and  what  is  the  earli- 
est date  that  can  be  set  lor  the  obligatory  use  of  the  metrical  system  throughout  the 
United  States,"  I  have  the  honor  to  state,  in  reply  to  the  first  branch  oi  the  inquiry 
covered  by  the  r«  solution,  that  to  make  obligatory,  in  government  transactions,  the 
metrical  or  any  other  system  of  weights  and  measures  not  in  use  by  the  people,  and, 
consequently,  iiot  famifiar  to  or  generally  understood  by  them,  wonld  not  only  involve 
great  confusion  and  great  extra  labor  in  making  reductions  from  the  system  in  use  by 
the  people  to  the  system  adopted  for  the  government,  but  I  believe  that  the  i)e«)ple 
wonld  look  with  grave  suspicion  upon  government  transactions  based  on  a  system  of 
weights  and  measures  which  they  did  not  understand ;  and  that  to  adopt  a  system  ex- 
clusively for  the  government  would  have  a  tendency  to  remove  the  government  far- 
ther froni  the  people,  and  weaken,  if  not  nearly  destroy,  their  confidence  iu  the  integ- 
ritv  of  the  officials  and  agt^nts  ot  the  executive  departments. 

to  the  second  branch  of  the  inquiry  covered  by  the  re8oluti<m  I  would  respectfully 
submit  that  I  not  only  believe  great  detriment  would  ensue  from  the  ado{»tion  of  the 
metiical  system  exclusively  for  the  use  of  the  governmenr,  luit  that  it  would  be,  also, 
inexpedient  for  the  United'States  to  make  the  system  obligatory  between  individuals, 
unless  in  co-operation  with  Great  Biitain,  with  whom  we  are  so  intimately  connected 
by  language,  literature,  and  commerce.  ,         •  i  i     j* 

*The  change  to  a  new  system  of  weights  and  measures,  based  upon  units  widely  dif- 
ferent from  and  incommensurable  with  those  upon  which  the  system  now  in  use  is 
based,  must  necessarily  require  a  great  effort,  and  should  be  preceded  by  a  long  j.enod 
of  preparation,  say  twenty  years.  Even  with  the  most  thorough  ]ueparation,  the 
change,  when  made,  will  bring  with  it  almost  inextricable  confiisitui  and  well-nigh 
intolerable  inconvenience,  however  superior  to  the  existing  system  the  metiical  system 
may  be  by  iea.son  «d  its  de«  imal  chiii  iicfer,  its  symmetry,  and  its  consequent  simplicity. 

Very  ie.-pect fully,  your  obedient  servant,  .r.i.^i.-ci  v 

i\.   M  AC  r  II.  r..  I « 1 , 

Comnmsarn-General  of  ^uliMl><ienc€, 

The  Hon.  Secretary  of  War. 


Report  from  the  Paymaster-GeneraL 

Office  of  Paymaster-Gexekal,  IJ.  S.  A., 

Novfrnler  24,  1877. 

Respectfnllv  riMiiined  to  the  lioin'iable  S.  cretaiy  of  War. 

I  am  reipiested  to  make  a  report,  agreeably  to  the  terms  of  the  resolution  of  the 
House  of  R.pres.  iitatives  of  Noviinber  6,  1H77,  as  to  "What  objecticms,  if  any,  there 
are  to  making  obligatory  in  all  government  transacti«m8  the  metrical  system  t»f  weights 


76 


i 


METRIC   SYSTEM. 


and  measures,  whose  use  has  been  authorized  in  the  United  States  by  act  of  Conpp-ess; 
and  also  liow  long  a  preliminary  notice  should  be  given  before  such  obligatory  use 
can  be  introduced  without  detriment  to  the  public  service;  and  that  they  (heads  of 
executive  departments)  are  also  requested  to  state  what  objections  there  are,  if  any, 
to  making  the  m«^tric;il  system  obligatory  in  all  transactions  between  individuals, 
and  what  is  the  earliest  date  that  can  be  set  for  the  obligatory  use  of  the  metrical  sys- 
tem throughout  the  United  States." 

I  believe  that  the  eventual  introduction  into  common  use  of  the  metrical  system  is 
highly  desirable,  and  is  fast  becoming  still  more  necessary  in  our  intercourse  with  for- 
eign nations,  especially  if  it  is  destined,  as  seems  likely,  to  pervade  the  world.  The 
great  objects  attained  by  it  will  l>e,  fixed  standards,  uniformity,  and  the  extension  of 
the  decimal  system,  found  so  useful  in  our  money  standards. 

Beginning  with  France  in  1795,  the  whole  continent  of  Europe  has  adopted  the 
metric  system,  with  the  exception  of  Russia,  the  German  Empire  having  adopted  it 
in  1873. 

That  Germany  could  adopt  a  French  system  so  soon  after  the  war  with  France  is 
honorable  to  German  candor  and  sagacity,  and  encourages  the  belief  that  England, 
with  all  its  conservatism,  with  all  its  repugnance  to  any  novelties,  will  yet  follow 
suit,  especially  considering  its  commercial  necessities. 

I  am  satisfied  that  it  will  be  advisable  to  begin  first  with  legislation  making  the 
metric  system  obligatory  in  certain,  not  in  all,  government  transactions.  In  the  col- 
lection of  customs,  in  the  postal  system,  and  in  fixing  the  rates  of  coinage,  and  in  all 
international  trar  sacti  ms,  it  should  now  be  made  obligatory  from  the  1st  of  July, 
1879.  I  do  not  recommend  its  adoption  in  the  land  syst-em,  and  in  purchases  for  the 
Army  and  Navy,  and  for  the  government  at  so  early  a  date. 

By  this  first*  proposed  legislation  a  stimulus  would  be  given  for  the  system  being 
taught  in  all  the  schools.  Thus  in  six  years  the  rising  generation  would  be  initiated 
and  accustomed  to  it.  It  would  be  time  enough  then  for  legislation  making  its  use 
obligatory  in  all  remaining  government  transactions. 

After  a  full  trial  of  these  measures  the  people  might  be  prepared  for  its  voluntary 
introduction  in  domestic  transactions  and  for  legislation  making  it  obligatory.  But 
it  is  desirable  that  there  should  be  no  premature  legislation  of  this  last-named  charac- 
ter, creating  discontent  and  an  unfortunate  repeal  of  untimely  laws  enacted  in  ad- 
vance of  public  sentiment.  The  preliminary  measures  referred  to  would  prepare  the 
public  mind  gradually  for  final  legislation. 

John  Quincy  Adams,  in  1819,  advocated  the  advantages  of  the  metric  system,  but 
did  not  recommend  any  legislation  at  that  time.  But  he  predicted  that  the  time 
would  come  when  it  would  be  universally  adopted.  That  prediction  is  now  in  proc- 
ess of  fulfillment. 

By  the  act  of  28th  July,  18H6  (sec.  3569  R.  S.),  the  use  of  the  system  was  made  legal 
and  the  equivalents  to  present  standards  announced.  And  it  seems  now  probable  that, 
by  the  gradual  process  I  have  indicated,  the  use  of  the  system  will  finally  become 
acceptable  to  the  people  of  the  United  States. 

BENJ.  ALVORD, 
Paymaxta'-Generaly  U.  S.  A, 


Report  from  the  ('hie/  of  Engineers, 

Office  of  tuk  Chief  of  Engineers, 

WttHhington,  1).  C,  December  3,  1877. 

Sir  :  In  obedience  to  the  instructions  of  f^e  honorable  the  Secretary  of  War,  in- 
dorsed npon  the  resolution  of  the  House  of  Representatives  of  November  6,  looking 
to  the  early  adoption  of  the  French  system  of  weights  and  measures,  I  have  the  honor 
to  submit  the  following  views  : 

The  resolution  presents  two  main  inquiries:  first,  as  to  the  adoption  of  the  metric 
system  in  the  government  offices ;  and,  secondly,  as  to  its  adoption  in  transactions  be- 
tween individuals. 

So  far  as  the  proposed  change  would  aft'ect  the  works  carried  on  under  charge  of 
the  officers  of  the  Corps  of  Engineers,  it  need  only  be  said  that  while  any  change  in 
the  ordinary  and  accepted  standards  must  be  an  inconvenience,  yet  there  is  no  other 
reason  why  the  change  should  not.  be  made,  provide<l  sufficient  time  is  given  for  prep- 
aration, it  is  thought  that  the  French  metric  standards  should  not  be  adopted,  to  the 
exclusion  of  the  present  standards,  in  this  office  within  a  less  interval  of  time  than 
five  years  after  the  passage  of  the  .ict.  This  limit  is  fixed  as  the  minimum,  in  order 
to  allow  for  the  proper  carefnl  manufacture,  comparison,  and  distribution  of  standards, 
and  their  duplication  in  various  forms  for  ordinary  use.  for  the  necessary  ch<inges  in 
tables  and  formalse,  and  more  especially  to  allow  a  sufficient  interval  of  time  during 


/ 


METRIC    SYSTEM. 


77 


i\y 


^1  y 


which  a  practical  familiarity  with  the  new  standards  may  be  acquired,  particularly 
by  those  with  whom  the  business  of  the  Engineer  Department  is  transacted  and  who 
are  not  in  the  public  service,  as  well  as  by  those  not  in  the  public  service  who  use  the 
maps,  charts,  &c.,  of  the  department.  n  .    ,• 

In  regard  to  the  compulsory  use  of  the  metric  standards  in  the  transactions  of  mdi- 
viduals,  certain  additional  considerations  present  themselves.  It  is  to  be  borne  in 
mind  that  there  is  nothing  in  the  proposed  chnnge  which  will  in  any  way  favorably 
affect  the  usual  course  of  private  business  in  this  country,  and  that  the  demand  for  a 
change  from  the  present  system  does  not  come  from  business  men,  but  is  made  in  fur- 
therance of  a  project  designed  for  the  general  public  good  in  international  inter- 
course. There  is  no  pressing  necessity  for  immndiate  change,  and  it  would  undoubt- 
edly be  better,  if  the  change  should  be  made,  to  make  it  by  concerted  simultaneous 
action  on  the  i>art  of  all  English-speaking  people. 

The  relations  of  trade  between  this  country  and  Great  Britain  are  such,  that  the 
adoption  of  new  standards  of  weights  and  nieasures  by  the  one  without  the  concur- 
rent action  of  the  other,  is  extremely  undesirable. 

As  to  the  general  question  whether  it  is  desirable  to  adopt  a  decimal  system  of 
weights  and  measures,  there  will  probably  be  but  little  difference  of  opinion,  since  its 
adoption  will  to  some  extent  simplify  existing  tables,  and  tend  to  establish  a  uniform- 
ity of  practice  throughout  the  world.  As  an  actual  practical  fact,  its  adoption  is  a 
matter  of  no  immediate  importance,  and  certainly  should  not  be  made  obligatory  upon 
individuals  before  it  has  become  generally  understood  by  being  adopted  in  the  govern- 
ment service  and  taught  in  all  public  schools. 

The  French  decimal  metric  system  has  been  adopted  and  made  compulsory  in  France, 
Belgium,  Holland,  Greece,  Italy,  Spain,  Portugal,  Germany,  Colombia,  Venezuela,  Ec- 
uador, Brazil,  Peru,  Chili,  and  Argentine  Confederation  and  Uruguay. 

Great  Britain  and  the  United  States  have  legalized  the  system,  but  have  not  made 
it  compulsory.    Switzerland,  Sweden,  Denmark,  and  Austria  use  partial  decimal  sys- 
tems, but  with  different  units  of  length  and  of  measure. 
Very  respectfully,  your  obedient  servant, 

•^       *^  A.  A.  HUMPHREYS, 

Brigadier-General  and  thief  of  Engineers. 

Hon.  George  W.  McCrary, 

Secretary  of  War, 


i'jy 


^l> 


Y 


lieportfrom  the  Chief  of  Ordnance. 

War  Department,  Ordnance  Office, 

Washington,  November '22,  1877. 

Sir  :  I  have  the  honor  to  acknowledge  the  receipt  of  a  copy  of  resolution  of  the 
House  of  Representatives  requesting  early  report  of  any  objections  there  are  to  mak- 
ing obligatory  in  all  governmental  transactions  the  metrical  system  of  weights  and 
measures,  whose  use  has  been  authorized  by  Congress,  &c. 

In  reply,  I  herewith  inclose  the  views  of  Col.  T.  J.  Tread  well.  Ordnance  Department, 
and  of  the  Ordnance  Board,  to  whom  this  subject  was  referred  for  report.  I  concur  in 
these  views  and  conclusions,  anticipate  little  difficulty  in  the  introduction  of  the  met- 
rical system  in  all  ordnance  transactions,  and  deem  twelve  months'  preliminary  notice 
ample. 

Very  respectfully,  your  obedient  servant,  _ 

S.  V.  BENfiT, 
Brigadier-General  and  Chief  of  Ordnance. 
The  Hon.  Secretary  of  War. 


Maj.  T.  J.  TreadwelVs  views  on  the  metrical  nyi^tem. 

The  change  from  our  present  system  of  weights  and  measures  may  be  very  simply 
made  by  making  the  foot  equal  3  decimeters,*  or  the  yard  equal  9  decimeters  or  t^„-  of 
a  meter.  The  standard  rule  for  the  new  system  of  measurements  may  be  made  as  fol- 
lows: Lay  off  on  the  rule  one  meter,  take  ,^0  of  this  length,  divide  this  into  three  equal 
parts,  subdivide  each  of  these  into  ten  etjual  parts,  and  each  subdivision  into  ten  equal 
parts ;  we  would  thus  have  as  the  standard  of  length,  the  meter,  the  iV,  toT7>  and  jiko. 

*  The  leu<rth  3  decimeters,  instead  of  i  of  a  meter,  is  taken  as  a  substitute  of  the  present  part,  be- 
cause its  length— 11".811237— is  nearly  that  of  the  foot,  and  the  use  of  this  length  would  come  more 
naturally  than  would  be  the  case  if  the  difference  between  the  new  and  old  foot  was  a  very  considerable 
part  of  its  whole  length. 


» 


78 


METRIC    SYSTEM. 


METRIC    SYSTEM. 


79 


of  a  meter.  Make  all  verniers  read  to  the  decimal  of  this  latter  subdivision.  With 
the  meter  thus  adopted  for  a  standard  unit  of  measure —  . 

The  square  meter  would  be  the  unit  of  surface  measure. 

The  cnldc  met»T  would  be  the  unit  of  solid  measure.* 

The  cubic  of  -^  meter  would  be  the  unit  of  capacity,  or  liter.* 

The  cubic  of  -Ju}  meter  would  be  the  unit  of  weight,  or  gram. 

Introduce  the  words  meter,  liter,  and  kilogram  (the  gram  being  15  grains  about,  is 
to"  small  a  unit  for  weight  for  practical  use). 

Form  all  denominations  decimally  from  the  primary  unit  meter,  and  secondary  units 
liter  and  kilogram,  viz : 


1  meter. 

iV  meter. 

1  liter. 

0  meters. 

iJg  meter. 

10  liters. 

&c. 

&c. 

&c. 

,»„  liter. 

1  kilojrram. 

T^  kilogram. 

iho  liter. 

10  kilograms. 

xiu  kilojrram. 

&c. 

dee. 

&c. 

Thus  all  measures  of  weight,  dimensions,  and  capacity  are  directly  derivable  from 
the  meter. 

It  is  believed  that  the  introduction  and  use  of  the  metric  system  would,  when  ac- 
quired (which  could  be  readily  etfetrted),  lie  of  great  practical  value  in  the  operations 
of  the  Ordnance  Department,  and  .steps  for  its  speedy  introduction  therein  could  be 
taken  without  delay. 


Additional  riewt*  of  Major  T.  J.  Treadwell. 

The  system  of  weights  and  measures  proposed  being  based  on  the  meter,  and  all  the 
proposed  tables  of  measure-  and  weights  being  directly  derivable  from  the  meter,  and 


^1  y 


the  multiples,  the  higliKr  denominations  the 


The  inteuticm  of  the  recommendation  is  to  facilitate  the  introduction  of  the  met- 
rical system  by  giving  calculators  and  mechanics  an  easier  appreciation,  in  an  ideal 
point  of  \  i»'\v' ot  the  values  of  subdivisions  of  the  meter  in  comparison  with  their 
conceptions  of  the  sululivisijuis  of  the  oidiu  try  English  foot  and  yard. 

In  the  acquiring  of  a  language,  the  old  think  in  their  own  language  and  speak  in  the 
other;  the  y<uing,  hciwever,  with  their  comparatively  blank  and  highly- impressible 
brains,  harrnrinize  thought  and  expression  readily  in  acquiring  a  tongue. 

Tht!  change  from  the  unit  of  yards  to  one  of  meters,  involving  changes  in  weights 
and  measures,  and  att'ecting  every  day  all  the  barierings  and  the  calcnlations  of  a 
great  nation,  is  one  which  should  have  all  the  facilities  available  to  ease  the  change. 

As  in  language,  the  old  will  calculate  in  yards  and  work  in  meters. 

If  educated  in  youth  that  high  accord  between  the  ideas  of  dimensions  and  the  unit 
or  parts  <»f  a  unit  to  express  them  wouhl  exist,  and  no  need  of  aids  to  help  by  reference 
to  our  present  unit  will  be  required  for  the  coming  man  educatetl  to  the  use  of  the  met- 
rioal  unit 

The  nteutiiui  of  the  idea  of  foot  and  yard  seems  to  be  important  under  this  view  of 
the  cast-,  and  it  was  c<ui.sidered  a  judicious  "aide  memoire"  to  use  a  rule  of  that  part 
of  the  meter-length  which  ap|»roxiinates  the  yard,  graduated,  however,  with  the  metric 
sulwlivisioiis. 

When  qtiestions  arise  involving  large  measurements,  necessitating  their  expression 
in  meters,  they  will  be  so  noted,  but  as'thislatter  measure  conveys  to  the  English  mind 
(when  these  occasions  arise),  distaiwes  approximating  to  the  same  in  yards,  there  is  no 
reason  for  any  sjiecial  provision  in  this  regard. 

Deciuietti-Vules  (:J  decimeters  in  length)  are  now  in  practical  use  in  the  United 
States. 


tables  being 


10,  and  that  of  the  subdi- 


rule  »»f  length  proposed,  on  which  all  the  tables  proposed  were  based,  has  laid  off  on 
it  the  mer»r  f«>r  the  purpo.se  of  readily  measuring  multiples  of  the  meter;  for  the 
purpose  of  smaller  measures  of  length,  ,2^  of  this  length  (the  meter)  is  divided  into 
three  equal  parts;  this  subdivision,  3  decimeters  in  length,  was  taken  because  it  is 
11.811237  of  our  inches,  and  being  so  nearly  equal  in  length  to  the  present  foot  in 
nse,  it  was  thought  it  would  be  more  readily  conceived  of  and  adapted  for  use  than 
would  the  measure  of  the  ^  meter,  which  is  13.123966  -\-  of  our  inches.  ->/ 

The  suggestion  of  the  3-decimeter  division  was  derived  from  the  work  of  Prof.  F.  \ 
A.  P.  Barnard,  of  Columbia  College,  on  the  subject  of  the  Metric  System,  page  80,  the 
universal  introduction  and  use  of  which  by  all  civilized  nations  he  is  an  ardent  ad- 
vocate. Professor  Barnard  says :  '*  Our  foot  differs  from  three  decimeters  by  a  very 
inconsiderable  fraction,  less  than  two-tenths  of  an  inch.  If  we  make  this  slight  alter- 
ation we  are  at  harmony  with  all  of  continental  Europe." 

This  was  made  the  basis  of  the  proposed  changes,  and  in  none  of  the  tables  derived 
from  the  meter  base  so  nsed  are  our  present  measures  retained. 

For  smaller  denominations,  decimal  parts  of  the  meter,  the  length  3  decimeters 
was  divided  into  10  equal  parts,  3  centimeters,  and  then  again  subdivided  into  10 
equal  parts,  3  millimeters.  Perhaps  a  better  division  of  the  length  3  decimeters 
would  be  into  30  equal  parts,  and  each  of  these  again  into  10  equal  parts,  which 
would  make  the  numerator  unity  and  the  subdivision  centimeters,  millimeters,  &c. 
The  smallest  subdivision  of  the  propo.sed  standard  rule  would  then  be  the  millimeter, 
a  division  equal  to  .0394  inch,  and  easily  read  without  the  use  of  a  vernier. 

That  all  the  other  tables  pro|>osed  are  also  founded  upon  and  directly  derivable  from 
he  meter  does  not,  it  is  thought,  require  further  discussion. 


V 


< 


/ 


View8  of  the  Ordnance  Board,  United  States  Army,  Lieut.  Col.  S.  Crispin,  president,  on  th 

metrical  system. 

The  board  examined  attentively  the  Revised  Statutes  referred  to  by  the  Chief  of 
Ordnance  and  consulted  the  different  views  expressed  by  writers  on  the  subject,  in 
making  its  report,  and  it  still  entertains  the  belief  that  it  has  presented  a  metrical 
system  of  weights  and  measures  in  conformity  with  the  United  States  statutes,  and 
having  for  its  basis  the  French  meter  using  the  decimal  system  in  its  subdivisions. 
A  decimal  of  a  I 
course  the  8>ime 
just  as  m  ucb 
ion  as  attains  in  the  standard  yard. 

*  Equal  to  that  quantity  of  distilled  water,  at  ita  maximum  density,  which  fills  these  measures. 


< 


-c 


V 


Y 


y 


y 


Letter  from  th-  Secretary  of  the  Treasury  in  response  to  a  resolntion  of  the  House  of  Represent- 
atives, tranHmittiny  eirtain  reports  in  reftrenec  to  the  adoption  of  the  metric  system. 

March  28,  1878. — Referred  to  the  Committee  on  Coinage,  Weights,  and  Measures. 

March  29,  1878.— Recommitted  to  the  Committee  on  Coinage,  Weights,  and  Measures, 

and  ordered  to  be  printed. 

Treasury  Department,  March  26, 1878. 

Sir  :  I  have  the  honor  to  acknowledge  the  receipt  of  House  resolution  of  November 
6,  1877,  asking  that  the  heads  of  the  executive  departments  of  the  government  be  re- 
quested to  report  to  the  House  of  Representatives,  at  as  early  a  date  as  practicable, 
what  objections,  if  any,  there  are  to  making  obligatory  in  all  governmental  and  indi- 
vidnal  transactions  the  metrical  system  of  weights  and  measures,  whose  use  in  the 
United  States  has  been  authorized  by  act  of  Congress,  and  also  how  long  a  preliminary 
notice  should  be  given  I  efore  such  obligatory  use  can  be  introduced  without  detri- 
ment to  the  public  interests,  &c. 

Concerning  this  matter  of  inquiry,  I  am  of  the  opinion  that  it  is  not  advisable  to 
make  the  metrical  system  of  weights  and  measures  obligatory  in  any  transactions  at 
present.  The  law  now  legalizes  and  permits  that  system  to  be  adopted  in  all  cases 
with  the  consent  of  parties. 

While  the  metrical  system  is  undoubtedly  the  more  perfect  in  theory,  the  old  system 
of  weights  and  measures  is  so  ingrafted  upon  the  business  habits  of  our  fellow-citizens 
that  a  new  system  should  not  be  adopted  until  it  is  well  understood  and  acquiesced  in 
by  the  body  of  the  x)eople.  1  think  great  confusion,  uuiuy  inconveniences,  and  much 
litigation  would  arise  from  its  hasty  adoption.  Congress  might  properly,  in  any  revis- 
ion of  the  tariff,  adopt  this  system,  stating  in  the  law,  however,  the  equivalents  of  the 
old  in  the  metrical  system  ;  but  even  this  change  would  create  some  embarrassment, 
and  is  of  doubtful  utility. 

I  submitted  the  resolution,  however,  to  the  Superintendent  of  the  Coast  Survey,  the 
chief  clerk  of  the  department,  and  the  chief  clerk  of  the  Bureau  of  Statistics  for  an 
expression  of  their  respective  views  on  the  matter,  and  I  transmit  herewith  their  re- 
plies, to  which  attenti<ui  is  respectfully  invited. 
Verj'  respectfullv, 

JOHN  SHERMAN, 

Secretary. 

Hon.  Samuel  J.  Randall, 

Speaker  of  the  Bouse  of  Iie2)resentatire8. 


80 


METRIC    SYSTEM. 


METRIC    SYSTEM. 


81 


litplif  of  J.  K.  L'ptoH,  chief  ilerk  of  Treaxnry  Depurtmint. 

Treasury  Department, 
Office  of  the  Secretary, 

fiuxhiiKjUm,  1>.  C,  March  (>,  l^^TH. 

Sir:  Iu  compliance  with  your  verbal  request  that  I  present  to  you,  in  writing,  any 
saggestions  that  may  occur  to  me  in  the  matter  of  the  proposed  intnKlucti«>u  into 
this  couutry  of  the  metric  system  of  weights  and  measures,  that  the  same  may  be 
transmitted  to  Congress  with  your  reply  to  the  resolution  of  the  House  of  Representa- 
tives dated  November  (i,  1677,  I  have  the  houor  to  submit  the  following  : 

present  standards. 

The  necessity  of  uniform  standards  for  measuring  «listan(;es,  weights,  capacity,  and 
values  amoug  people  intimately  associated  is  universally  acknovvledgcd,  and  the  Con- 
stitution of  this  country  has  wisely  given  to  Congress  the  power  to  tix  these  stuutlards. 
This  power  has  not  been  iieely  exercised,  and  cous^'quently  there  is  no  uniform  or  au- 
thoritative standards  of  measurement  throughout  the  country. 

In  measuring  length,  the  yard,  derived  from  ancient  arbitrary  standards  of  England^ 
is  an  accepted  standard.  In  scientific  theory  this  yard  is  supjmsed  to  rest  upon  a  law 
of  nature.  The  inch,  the  ^  of  the  yard,  is  said  to  be  contaiuetl  .39.13i)*2i)  times  in  the 
length  of  a  pendulum  that  in  a  vacuum,  and  at  the  level  ot:  mid  tide  in  the  latitude 
of  Loudon,  vibrates  seconds.  It  is,  in  fact,  the  distance  between  two  points  on  an 
actual  bar  of  brass  which  the  law  has  declared  to  be  a  yar«l,  the  distance  to  be  taken 
when  the  temperature  of  the  bar  is  at  62^  Fahrenheit.  This  bar  was  obtained  from 
England  in  1827  for  the  survey  of  the  coast,  and  is  deposited  in  the  <»ffice  of  the  Coast 
Survey  iu  this  city.  On  it  has  been  copied  the  standard  English  yard,  and  it  affords 
a  standard  which  has  been  adopted  by  the  executive  departments  of  the  government 
and  by  the  several  States  for  all  purposes  of  linear  measurements.  In  practice  the 
yard  is  variimsly  subdivided  and  other  derivative  standards  employed. 

In  the  actual  government  standards  at  the  custom-houses,  the  yard  is  divided  into 
tenths  and  hutulredths.  Surveyors  and  engineers  employ  neither  the  yard  nor  the 
inch,  but  the  foot,  the  one-third  of  a  yard,  and  its  decimal  subdivisions.  Mariners 
measare  by  the  cable-length  (240  yards)  and  fathom  (6  feet).  Land-surveyors  employ 
the  chain  (22  yards)  and  the  link  (7.92  inches).  Artificers  and  architects  reckon  by 
the  foot  and  the  inch,  subdivided  into  halves,  qnartera,  and  eighths.  Muslins  and  dry 
goods  generally  are  measured  by  the  yard,  subdivided  into  halves,  quarters,  and 
eighths;  clock-pendulums  by  the  line  (i\  of  an  inch)  and  the  point  (7^,;  of  an  inch), 
and  the  height  of  horses  is  measured  by  the  hand  (4  inches). 

In  measuring  weight,  the  standard  for  coinage  purposes  is  the  troy  ponnd.  Like  the 
yard,  it  is  derived  from  ar>)itrary  standards  of  England.  In  1827  Congress  declared  a 
certain  brass  weight,  procured  that  year  by  the  minister  of  the  United  States  at  London, 
to  be  the  standard  troy  pound  of  the  mint  of  the  United  States,  conformable  to  which 
the  coinage  of  the  country  should  be  regubited.  This  ponnd  weight  is  identical  with 
the  troy  ponnd  of  England.  It  is  assumed  to  contain  5,7H0  grains,  and  investigation 
shows  that  2  '2.458  of  these  units  in  brass  will  be  in  just  equilibrium  with  a  cubic  inch 
of  distilled  water  when  the  mercury  stands  at  'AO  inches  iu  a  barometer,  and  in  a  ther- 
mometer of  Fahrenheit  at  ti2^,  both  for  the  air  and  water.  A  pound  avoirdupois  con- 
tains 7,000  of  these  grains. 

Copies  of  both  pounds  have  been  furnished  the  several  States  and  adopted  by  them 
as  standards,  thus  securing  uniformity  in  standard  units  of  wt^ight.  The  troy  pound 
ased  in  weighing  precious  metals  is  subdivided  into  the  ounce  (480  grains),  the  penny- 
weight (24  grains),  and  the  grain  also  is  subdivided  decimally.  Apothecaries,  in  com- 
pounding medicines,  employ  the  scruple  (20  grains),  and  the  dram  ((iO  grains) ;  but  in 
all  ordinary  commercial  transactions  the  ]>ound  avoirdupois  is  employed,  being  sub- 
divided into  the  ounce,  (4:^7.5  grains)  and  the  tlram  (27.35  grains);  the  ounce  being 
also  by  usage  subdivided  into  halves  and  (piarters. 

A  weight  called  a  quarter,  consisting  of  either  25  or  28  pound  units,  is  also  used, 
and  a  hundred  weight  is  100  or  112  ponnd  units,  and  a  ton  2,0(K)  or  2,240  ponnd  units, 
according  to  the  substance  weighe^l  and  the  party  weighing  it.  Coal,  for  instance,  is 
purchased  by  the  ton  of  2,240  pounds  and  sohl  by  the  ton  of  2,000  pounds. 

In  measuring  capacity,  three  units,  also  adopted  from  England,  are  employed — the 
bushel,  the  wine-gallon,  and  the  beer-gallon.  For  mcjisuriug  fruits,  grain,  salt,  &c^ 
the  bushel  (2150.42cubic  inches)  is  used,  subdivided  into  the  peck  (537.60  cubic  inches), 
the  gallon  (2r»r!.8  cubic  inches),  the  quart  (i)7. 20  cuoic  incfies),  and  the  pint,  A  of  a 
quart.  This  bushel  is  identical  w^ith  the  old  Winchester  bushel.  The  imperial  bushel 
of  England  now  used  iu  that  country  is  equal  to  1.0.J152  of  the  Winchester  bushel. 
The  value  of  a  bushel  as  a  unit  of  weight  will  be  hereaft/er  considered. 

For  measuring  liquids,  except  ale,  beer,  and  milk,  the  wine-gallon,  containing  231 


i 


^  i  y 


/ 


cubic  inches,  is  used.  It  is  subdivided  into  fourths,  called  quarts,  these  quarts  into 
halves,  called  pints,  and  the  pints  into  fourths,  called  gills.  There  is  also  iu  this 
system  a  barrel  of  31.5  gallons,  a  tierce  of  42  gallons,  and  a  tun  of  two  pipes  or  of 
eight  barrels. 

For  measuring  ale,  beer,  and  milk,  the  beer  gallon,  282  inches,  is  the  unit,  divided, 
like  the  wine-gallon,  into  quarts  and  pints.  There  is  also  in  this  measure  the  barrel 
of  36  gallons,  the  hogshead  of  54  gallons,  the  puncheon  of  72  gallons,  and  the  butt  of 
108  gallons.  None  of  these  units  are  indentical  with  any  units  of  the  other  capacity 
measures.  To  add  to  the  confusion,  there  are  in  different  parts  of  the  United  States  a 
barrel  for  beer,  consisting  of  32  gallons ;  the  barrel  for  corn,  of  5  bushels ;  for  fish,  of  220 
pounds :  for  flour,  196  pounds ;  for  lime,  320  pounds ;  and  for  lamp-oil,  43  gallons.  The 
imperial  gallon  used  in  Great  Britain  contains  277.274  cubic  inches,  thus  differing  ia 
size  from  any  gallon  used  in  this  country. 

In  measuring  solids,  ordinarily  the  cubic  inch,  foot,  and  yard  are  used  as  units.  In 
measuring  round  and  hewn  timber,  tons  of  40  and  50  cubic  feet  are  respectively  used. 
For  shipx>ing  purposes,  a  ton  of  42  cubic  feet  is  used ;  and  in  measuring  wood,  the  cord- 
foot  (16  cubic  feet)  and  the  cord  (128  cubic  feet)  are  employed. 

Appended  to  this  report  are  tables,  marked  A,  B,  C,  showing  the  units  of  each  meas- 
ure and  their  values  in  terms  of  a  common  unit  of  tlie  system  to  which  it  belongs,  and 
also  their  equivalents  in  terms  of  the  metric  system. 

It  will  be  seen  that,  in  measuring  length,  twentv-tive  units  are  employed,  three  of 
which,  although  under  different  names,  have  like  values,  the  others  having  different 
names  and  values,  but  bearing  no  Uheful  relation  to  each  other,  In  measuring- weights, 
eighteen  units  are  employed,  three  of  which  are  duplicated,  as  the  troy  pound,  the 
apothecaries'  pound,  and  the  avoirdupois  pound,  two  of  which  are  identical  in  weight; 
others  have  the  same  name  but  are  of  different  values.  Those  duplicated  reduce  to 
that  extent  the  number  of  units  for  the  several  i)urpose8,  but  the  fact  of  their  dupli- 
cation confuses  rather  than  simplifies  the  system. 

In  the  measurement  of  capacity,  twenty-seven  units  are  employed,  though  but  nine- 
teen have  different  names.  None  of  these  are  duplicated,  however,  except  in  names; 
and  the  gallon  has  three  distinct  values,  so  also  have  the  quart  and  pint.  The  bushel 
appears  to  have  but  one  value,  but  in  nearly  every  State  and  in  the  customs-tariff  of 
the  general  government  the  term  is  also  employed  as  a  unit  of  weight,  the  law  fixing 
the  number  of  pounds  according  to  the  substance  weighed.  Table  D,  herewith  ap- 
pended, shows  the  value  of  the  bushel  under  the  laws  mentioned,  prepared  from  latest 
information  accessible.  It  will  be  seen  that  the  most  common  products  of  the  earth 
have  no  uniform  standard  of  measurement.  In  the  contiguous  States  of  Massachusetts, 
Connecticut,  and  Rhode  Island,  a  bushel  of  oats,  for  instance,  is,  respectively,  32  pounds, 
28  pounds,  and  2150.42  cubic  inches,  and  like  confusion  exists  throughout  the  country, 

As  no  trade  restrictions  exist  between  the  several  parts  of  the  country,  the  disad- 
vantage of  having  so  common  a  standard  as  the  bushel  mean  one  thing  iu  one  State 
and  another  in  another  is  easily  seen.  But  even  in  local  transactions  one  meets  with 
troy  weights,  apothecaries'  weights,  and  avoirdupois  weights ;  with  long  tons,  short 
tons,  and  shipping  tons ;  with  wine  gallons,  beer  gallons,  and  dry  gallons,  and  with 
barrels  of  undefined  sizes,  making  in  all  an  aggregate  of  appalling  confusion. 

A  system  consisting  of  a  single  unit  for  each  measure,  bearing  simple  relations  to 
each  other  and  having  uniform  subdivisions  and  multiples,  would  evidently  be  far 
superior  for  all  purposes  of  measurements,  local  or  throughout  the  States,  and  if  supe- 
rior for  local  and  national  use,  it  would  also  be  preferable  for  international  purposes, 
if,  at  the  same  time,  it  should  be  in  harmony  with  the  systems  of  other  countries. 


r 


the  proposed  standards. 


\ 


After  several  years  of  investigation,  in  1795  France  invented  and  adopted  a  system 
nnder  which,  for  everything  susceptible  of  being  measured  and  weighed,  there  should 
be  only  one  measure  of  length,  one  of  weight,  and  one  measure  of  contents ;  their  sub- 
divisions and  multiples  to  be  expressed  decimally,  and  all  to  repose  for  verification 
upon  a  unit  of  length,  which  should  be  an  aliquot  part  of  the  circumference  of  the 
earth.  To  obtain  such  a  unit,  measurements  of  an  arc  of  a  meridian  were  made,  and 
the  length  of  the  quadrant  meridian  having  been  obtained,  its  one  ten-millionth  part 
was  adopted  for  the  purpose.  This  unit,  equivalent  to  39.37 -f-  English  inches,  is  called 
the  meter,  upon  which  are  based  all  other  measures  constituting  what  is  known  as  the 
••  metric  system." 

The  gram  is  the  unit  of  weight,  and  is  the  weight  of  a  cube  of  water  of  maximam 
density,  each  edge  of  the  cube  being  ji^jj  of  the  meter. 

The  liter  is  the  unit  for  measuring  capacity,  and  is  equal  to  the  contents  of  a  cube 
whose  edge  is  the  tenth  part  of  a  meter. 

The  ar  is  the  surface  measure,  equal  to  a  square  whose  side  is  10  meters. 

The  xtcr  is  a  cubic  meter  used  in  measuring  certain  solids. 

Each  of  these  units  is  divided  decimally  and  larger  units  are  formed  by  proceeding 
H.  Eep.  14 6 


82 


METRIC    SYSTEM. 


METRIC    SYSTEM. 


83 


flecimally.    The  snbdivisions  are  desigiJated  by  the  prefixes  drci,  anti,  and  miUi,  and 
the  successive  multiples  by  dtka,  hectOf  kilOj  and  mifriiij  each  having  its  own  significance 

and  no  other.  ,     ^  ,     .^^ 

The  adoption  of  this  system  in  the  United  States  is  now  proposed.  Compared  with 
our  existing  systems,  its  superior  advantages  would  seem  to  consist  (1)  in  having  an 
invariable  standard  taken  from  nature ;  (2)  in  having  a  single  unit  for  all  weights  and 
a  single  unit  of  measures  of  capacity  for  all  substances,  wet  or  dry ;  (3)  in  having  deci- 
mal subdivisions  and  multiples  of  its  units;  and  (4)  in  the  uniformity,  precision,  and 
significance  of  its  nomenclature. 

(1.)  The  only  advantage  of  having  the  unit  an  aliquot  part  of  the  earth's  x>olar  cir- 
cumference would  appear  to  be  in  its  application  to  geography  and  astronomy.  But 
the  dividing  of  the  quadrant  of  the  meridian  decimally  into  hundreds  and  thousands, 
as  proposed,  has  been  found  impracticable  and  the  project  has  been  abandoned.  To 
that  extent  the  metric  system  has  proven  a  failure.  Recent  experiments  have  also 
demonstrated  that  the  length  of  the  quatlrant  meridian  was  not  .accurately  ascertained 
at  the  time  of  the  adoption  of  the  metric  system,  and  con-equently  the  actual  meter 
established  is  not  the  aliquot  part  of  the  meridian,  as  supposed.  Future  investigations 
may  eliminate  other  errors  of  calculation  and  again  change  the  theoretic  standard. 
For  all  practical  purposes  a  platina  rod  kept  in  Paris  is  the  standard  meter,  and  it  has 
no  special  advantage  over  that  of  the  brass  rod  kept  in  London  for  a  standard  yard. 

(2.)  In  having  one  unit  for  weights  and  one  unit  for  all  measures  of  capacity,  the 
metric  system  enjoys  a  superiority  over  all  others.  To  the  English  system  belongs  two 
measures  of  weight,  the  troy  pound  and  the  avoirdupois  pound ;  and  three  measures 
of  capacitv,  the  wine-gallon,  the  beer-gallon,  and  the  bushel,  containing  eight  dry 
gallons.  This  diversity  of  measures  originated  in  an  effort  to  make  a  measure  of  ca- 
pacity also  a  measure  of  weight ;  for  instance,  a  gallon  of  wheat  and  a  gallon  of  wine 
each  to  weigh  eight  pounds  avoirdupois.  But  the  etlbrt  failed,  and  the  law  long  ago 
jQxed  the  dimensions  in  cubic  inches  only. 

The  metric  system  has  only  one  measure  of  weight  and  one  measure  of  capacity,  and 
experience  has  proved  these  to  be  sntficient  for  all  purposes  desired. 

(3.)  To  the  English  system  belongs  also  the  disadvantage  of  an  irregular  scale  of 
progression  between  units  of  the  same  measure.  In  measures  of  length  we  ascend  by 
the  factors  12,  3,  .^>i,  40,  8,  3,  or  else  by  7.95,  25,  4,  and  80.  In  weights  we  have  three 
series,  avoirdupois,' trov,  and  apothecaries,  the  common  unit  being  the  grain.  In  the 
first,  the  factors  are  27  H»  l<i,  Ifi,  *">  or  2rt,  4,  and  20 ;  in  the  second,  24, 20,  and  12 ;  and  in 
the  third  20,  3,  8,  and  12.  The  factors  in  other  measures  are  equally  as  various.  To 
learn  these  many  scales  of  unequal  progression  requires  much  time  and  labor,  which 
can  be  Ijetter  applied  to  other  purposes. 

In  the  metric  system,  however,  we  ascend  and  descend  in  all  cases  by  the  common 
factor  10,  thus  placing  the  system  for  all  purposes  of  calculations  upon  the  basis  of 
simple  numbers.  The  decimal  system  in  numeration  has  already  asserted  and  main- 
tained itself,  and  to  it  has  given  way  one  by  one  the  schemes  of  difierent  nations.  In 
countries  where  not  adopted  it  is  frequently  used.  Even  in  England,  where  pounds, 
shillings,  and  pence  constitute  the  currency  of  the  country,  merchants  count  in  cents 
their  interest,  discount,  and  dividends.  Slowly,  but  surely,  all  standards  of  measure- 
ment are  in  practice  being  divided  into  tenths  and  hundredths.  The  decimal  system, 
once  adopted,  has  in  no  instance  been  abandoned ;  and  whether  we  will  or  not,  it  will 
ultimately  prevail  to  the  displacement  of  all  other  systems. 

(4.)  In  the  English  system  of  weights  and  measures  there  are  also  found  74  units  in 
common  use,  having  56  names.  The  ounce,  the  drachm,  and  the  grain  are  indefinite 
parts  of  an  indefinite  whole.  The  pound  avoirdupois  is  heavier  than  the  pound  troy, 
but  the  ounce  avoirdupois  is  lighter  than  the  ounce  troy.  In  the  confusion  numbers 
even  lose  their  identity.  A  dozen,  for  instance,  may  mean  sixteen ;  twenty-eight  si^f- 
nify  twenty-five ;  and  one  hundred  and  twelve  a  hundred;  thus  making  the  whole 
less  than  the  sum  of  its  parts.  A  gallon  of  wine  is  not  so  much  as  a  gallon  of  milk, 
and  a  ton  of  coal  is  sometimes  one  weight  and  sometimes  another.  The  bushel  for 
measuring  products  of  the  earth  hsis  130  difierent  sizes  in  this  country,  and  none  of 
them  of  the  size  of  the  bushel  of  England,  to  which  country  most  of  our  surplus  prod- 
ucts are  shipped  in  quantities  measured  by  bushels. 

In  the  vocabulary  of  the  metric  system  there  is  l»ut  one  word  to  denote  a  unit  of 
length,  one  to  denote  a  unit  of  weight,  one  for  a  unit  of  capacity,  one  lor  surface,  and 
one  for  cubic  measurements,  and  the  words  have  no  other  significance.  Thus  the 
word  meter  means  an  established  unit  of  length  and  nothing  else.  It  cannot  be  the 
measure  of  one  length  in  one  country  and  of  another  length  in  another  country.  The 
gram  is  a  specific  weight  everywhere  and  under  all  conditions  the  same,  and  the  liter 
denotes  a  vessel  of  specific  cubic  contents  for  the  measurements  of  all  liquids,  and  is 
never  used  for  any  other  purpose. 

The  multiples  of  these  units  are  denoted  by  prefixing  to  then  respectively  four  syl- 
lables from  the  Greek  language,  indicating  decimal  progression;  the  subdivisions,  by 
prefixing  four  syllables  from  the  Latin  language,  indicating  decimal  fractions,  and 


> 


Y 


y 


thus  five  words  indicating  units  and  seven  prefixes  indicating  numbers  make  up  the 
vocabulary  of  the  system.  Of  whatever  superiority,  however,  the  metric  system  may 
be  possessed,  to  make  its  use  obligatory  by  law  for  public  purposes  and  in  transac- 
tions between  individuals  will  be  a  harsh  exercise  of  legislative  authority. 

Weights  and  measures  have  been  aptly  ranked  as  necessities  of  life,  and  no  system 
of  them,  however  objectionable,  can  be  wholly  eradicated,  except  by  long  periods  of 
time. 

Appalled  at  the  prospective  confusion  which  the  abolition  of  our  existing  system 
would  bring  into  every  household  in  the  land,  John  Quincy  Adams,  after  an  exhaust- 
ive review  of  the  whole  subject,  advised  Congress  in  l&Zl  to  take  no  steps  with  a  view 
of  such  abolition,  and,  while  he  eulogized  in  glowing  terms  the  merits  of  the  metric 
system,  he  could  only  recognize  the  system  as  an  experiment,  and  its  adoption,  at  best, 
a  matter  of  doubtful  expediency.  Since  that  day,  nation  after  nation  has,  by  impera- 
tive law,  abolished  its  system  of  weights  and  measures,  and  substituted  the  metric 
system,  with  only  the  best  results.  Throughout  the  civilized  world,  and  even  in 
pagan  lands,  this  system  has  found  recognition  and  welcome.  At  the  risk  of  tedious- 
ness,  I  beg  to  set  forth  in  detail  a  statement  showing  its  wonderful  expansion. 

AMERICA. 

Argentine  Repuulic. — {Until  1S2S  with  UrHgnai/.) — The  metric  system  of  weights 
and  measures  introduced  for  customs  purposes  according  to  the  customs-taritf  laws  of 
7th  October,  1872,  and  11th  Octol)er,  1873,  and  is  used  in  the  assessment  of  duties. 

Bolivia,  Republic  of.— {Once  South  Perji.)— Weights  and  me;isures  the  same  as  in 
Peru,  which  see. 

The  coin-weight,  at  least  since  1871,  is  the  French  gram. 

Brazil. — (Ilio  de  Janerio  and  Pernamhuco.) — Since  January  1,  1874,  the  weights  and 
measures  of  Brazil  are  the  French  metric. 

An  imperial  decree  of  26th  July,  1872,  approved  a  law  voted  by  both  chambers  upon 
the  introduction  of  the  metric  system,  which,  after  a  permissive  use  of  ten  years, 
should  be  generally  in  force.  According  to  a  decree  of  18th  September,  1872,  the  new 
system  went  into  obligatory  ett'ect,  with  1st  of  July,  1873,  a  delay  of  half  a  year,  how- 
ever, to  be  allowed  for  the  execution  of  the  decree ;  therefore,  with  the  1st  of  January, 
1874,  the  metric  system  is  definitely  established  with  all  its  consequences,  and  since 
this  time  only  metric  measures  and  weights  are  used.  Diamonds,  however,  are  still 
permitted  to  be  sold  according  to  the  old  Portugese  outara. 

The  French  meter  has  already  for  many  years  been  commonly  employed  for  manu- 
facture, but  often,  as  now,  the  English  yard  is  used,  and  sometimes  the  old  Parisian  annt\ 
Stone-coal  is  sold,  at  wholesale,  by  the  English  ton  of  2,240  pounds,  avoirdupois — the 
tonelada — reckoned  equal  to  70  arrobas,  old  weight ;  so,  also,  bone-ashes ;  also,  ships* 
freights  are,  for  the  most  part,  settled  according  to  the  English  ton. 

The  interval  from  the  date  of  the  decree  of  26th  July,  1862,  introducing  the  system, 
to  that  of  the  18th  September,  1872,  declaring  the  use  of  the  system  obligatory,  is  nine 
and  two-thirds  years ;  from  the  earlier  date  to  1st  July,  1873,  is  eleven  years,  and  to 
1st  July,  1874,  the  date  from  which  its  issue  is  obligatory,  twelve  years. 

Chili,  Repuulic  of. — {Santiaf/o  de  Chili.) — A  law  of  29th  January,  1848,  introduced 
the  French  metric  system  of  weights  and  measures.  For  coin-weight  the  system  came 
at  once  into  use,  but  for  other  purposes  its  enforcement  was  delayed. 

By  a  decree  of  the  President  of  the  Republic  of  31st  May,  1862,  and  a  decree  of  the 
administration  of  19th  December,  1862,  the  system  came  into  force  for  customs  purposes 
from  Ist  January,  1863. 

The  interval  from  the  date  of  the  law  introducing  the  system  to  its  enforcement  for 
customs  purposes  was  fifteen  years. 

In  trade  and  for  the  purposes  of  common  life  the  old  system  is  generally  employed. 

Silk  and  woolen  goods  are  sold  by  the  rem  ;  sugar  by  the  arroha.  Stone-coal  is  sold 
by  the  ton  (tonelada)  of  1,000  kilograms ;  copper  ore  by  the  100  kilograms;  pig-iron  is 
sold  by  the  Spanish  ton  (tonelada)  of  20  quiutales  (920  kilograms) ;  so,  also,  is  guano. 

Colombia,  in  its  broader  i^cnse. — {liepublie  of  Colombia,  1822  to  1831.) — The  three  re^xih^ 
/if'x,  now  constituting  Colombia  : 

1.  United  States  of  Colombia  (formerly  the  confederation  of  New  Grenada,  until 
1863 ;  before  that,  the  Republic  of  New  Grenada,  until  1858). 

2.  Equador. 

3.  Venezuela. 

United  States  of  Colombia.— (Bogota ;  Santa  Fe  de  Bogota.) — In  conformity  with 
the  law  of  8th  June,  1853,  the  French  metric  system  has  been  in  force  since  1st  Janu- 
ary, 1854  (including  for  shipping).  For  coinage  the  weight  has  been  the  French  gram 
since  1848.  •  This  law  introducing  the  metric  system  is  still  permissive  for  priratt  per- 
sons and  is  used  at  plciisure  in  their  extensive  business  transactions.  Consequently  in 
large  transactions  the  old  standards  are  also  used. 

Ecuador,  Republic  of. — {Qnito,  or  Francisco  de  Quito.) — According  to  the  laws  of 


84 


METRIC    SYSTEM. 


METRIC    SYSTEM. 


85 


5th  December,  1856,  the  metric  system  has  been  that  of  the  republic  since  15th  Octo- 
ber, 1866  (ten  years).  Since  the  last-mentioned  date  the  metric  system  alone  appears 
in  official  transactions. 

A  later  law,  that  of  14th  April,  1857,  again  orders  the  use  of  the  metric  system  gen- 
erally in  all  business  transactions  throughout  the  republic. 

According  to  the  law  of  1856,  once  in  every  two  years,  on  the  15th  October,  the 
weights  and  measures  of  each  of  the  provinces,  districts,  and  communes  of  the  repub- 
lic must  be  verified. 

Guatemala.— (few fr«i  American  States ;  Guatemala,  San  Salrador,  Honduras,  Xicara' 
^ua  and  Costa  Hica).— In  Guatemala  and  Costa  Rica,  since  1858,  the  French  metric  sys- 
tem is  legally  in  force,  and  in  San  Salvador  the  French  weight,  at  least  for  coin  pur- 
poses, which  also  in  Honduras,  since  1869,  is  employed  as  the  coinage  weight;  but  in 
fact  in  Guatemala  and  Costa  Rica  the  old  Spanish-Castilian  system  is  in  use  and  con- 
trols, as  Avell  as  in  the  other  Central  American  States. 

MARTiNKiUE.— (4  French  Antilles  island  in  the  West  Indies).— French  weights  and 
measures  (metric)  legal,  yet  other  systems  are  much  in  use,  the  old  Parisian  and  the 
English. 

Mexico.— The  weights  and  measures  of  the  States  of  the  republic  are  legally  the 
French  n«etric.  A  decree  of  President  Commonfort  of  the  15th  March,  1857,  ordered 
their  introduction  ;  requiring  that  six  months  after  the  date  of  the  proclamation  they 
be  exclusively  used  in  all  governmental  transactions  (which  was  not  done),  and  from 
Ist  January,  1862,  should  be  obligatory  for  all  the  inhabitants. 

The  law  of  the  1.5th  March,  1861,  ordered  anew  the  exclusive  use,  for  all  purposes,  of 
the  French  system  of  measures,  from  Ist  January,  1862,  but  this  law  appearing  to  re- 
main almost  without  effect  for  private  working,  an  imperial  decree  was  issued  in  No- 
vember, 1865,  again  declaring  the  use  of  this  system  alone  valid  (or  in  force)  through- 
out all  the  States. 

The  use  of  the  new  system  appears  to  be  extending  to  more  and  more  places,  but 
least  in  the  wholesale  trade  (1873),  the  old  weights  and  ell-measures  being  stil  em- 
ployed. 

The  new  measures  retain  the  names  of  the  corresponding  old  with  the  prefix  "new. 

Peru,  Repubuc  of.— (Ziwa.)— The  weights  and  measures  of  Peru  are  legally  the 
French  metric. 

The  introduction  of  the  metric  system  has  for  many  years  been  ordered,  but  as  yet 
Almost  wholly  without  effect. 

Later,  in  the  year  1869,  its  adoption  was  again  ordered,  and  for  customs  purposes  it 
is  in  use.  In  general,  the  earlier  or  old  Spanish-Castilian  system,  with  some  exceptions 
and  peculiarities,  is  used.    For  coin  weight  the  French  gram  (metric)  is  usei. 

United  States  of  America.— The  French  metric  system  of  weights  and  measures 
rendered  permissive  by  law  of  28th  July,  1866.  To  the  5-cent  copper  nickel-piece  was 
given  the  metric  weight  of  i  grams  (77.16  grains),  by  law  of  16th  May,  1866.  To  the 
silver  coins  of  the  United  States  of  smaller  denominations  than  one  dollar  was  given 
metric  weights,  by  the  law  of  12th  February,  1873.  For  postal  purposes  one-half  ounce 
equals  15  grams,  and  so  on  in  progression. 

Uruguay,  Republic  of.— (Montevideo.)— ("  Oriental  Fepuhlic  of  Uruguay.")— French 
metric  system  of  weights  and  measures  legalized  by  decree  of  20th  March,  1862.  This 
system  is  in  use  for  customs  purposes,  but  for  other  purposes  does  not  appear  to  have 
been  brought  into  common  use.    It  is  employed  to  some  extent  for  coinage. 

Venezuela,  Repubuc  of.— (Camcflx.)— In  the  year  1872,  through  an  executive 
order  of  18th  July  of  that  year,  the  French  metric  system  was  introduced,  in  con- 
formity with  which  already,  since  the  beginning  of  the  year  1873,  entries  for  customs 
settlements  are  required  to  be  made. 

Coin  weight  is  the  French  gram  (metric),  in  conformity  with  the  coin  law  of  30th 
May,  1848.  The  weights  and  measures  have  been  legally  for  many  years  (about  ten 
years  prior  to  1874)  the  French  metric,  but  in  practice  the  metric  system  had  found  no 
place,  and  even  the  customs  tariff  of  12th  May,  1867,  took  the  earlier  system  of  weights 
and  measures  as  its  basis.  According  to  a  governmental  decree  of  17th  September, 
1869,  the  metric  decimal  system  was  to  be  brought  into  use  in  all  the  customs  transac- 
tions of  the  republic,  and  likewise  by  the  consuls  of  the  State  in  certifying  goods  and 
manifests. 

EUROPE. 

Austria.— In  conformity  with  the  law  of  23d  July,  1871,  the  French  metric  system 
of  weights  and  measures  was  made  obligatory  from  the  1st  of  January,  1876.  The  in- 
terval from  the  date  of  the  authorizing  law  to  the  date  from  which  it  was  made 
obligatory  was  about  four  and  a  half  years. 

Belgium.— {Antuerj>.)—The  metric  system  of  weights  and  measures  was  introduced  y 
with  old  denominations  during  the  union  of  Belgium  with  the  Netherlands — that  is,  "^ 
by  the  law  of  2l8t  August,  1816,  and  the  royal  decrees  of  29th  March  and  30th  No-  ' 
veraber,  1817.    By  a  Belgian  law  of  18th  June,  1836,  these  names  were  withdrawn  and 


-<    V 


^i  V 


Y 


y 


> 


French  names  introduced.    A  law  of  Ist  October,  1855,  created  from  Ist  January,  1856, 
the  exclusive  use  of  the  French  system  (including  also  the  French  medicinal  weight). 

Denmark. — The  unit  of  commercial  weight  since  the  law  of  May  1,  1863,  is  the 
pfund  of  500  grams  or  the  one-half  kilogram.  The  unit  of  coin  weight,  in  conformity 
with  the  Scandinavian  coin  convention  of  18th  December,  1872,  and  the  law  of  2:id 
May,  1873,  has  been  since  3l8t  May,  1874,  the  metric  gram;  the  convention  to  be  in 
force  until  the  end  of  December,  1884 — ten  years.  The  introduction  of  the  complete 
metric  system  of  weights  and  measures  is  in  prospect. 

On  the  3d  of  October,  1876,  the  minister  of  interior  recommended  to  the  Parliament 
a  project  of  a  law  according  to  which  the  use  of  the  metric  system  of  weights  and 
measures  was  to  be  permissible  for  three  years,  after  which  its  use  should  be  compul- 
sory throughout  the  kingdom.  The  coin  weight,  under  the  coin  law  of  4th  June,  1873, 
is  the  French  metric,  the  kilogram. 

France. — The  system  of  weights  and  measures  known  by  cbmmon  consent  as  the 
*'  metric  system  "  was  proposed  by  the  Prince  Talleyrand,  then  bishop  of  Autun,  in  the 
year  1790.  This  system  was  declared  the  only  system  of  weights  and  measures  in 
France  and  in  the  French  colonial  possessions  by  the  law  of  1st  of  August,  1793. 

The  organizing  law  for  the  new  measures  and  coins  of  the  metric  system  was  adopted 
on  the  7th  of  April,  1795. 

Under  the  organizing  law  of  7th  April,  1795,  and  supplemental  law  of  15th  August, 
1795,  money  is  reckoned  since  Ist  July,  1796,  and  definitely  since  the  coin  law  of  March 
28, 1803,  in  francs  of  one  hundred  centimes. 

The  metric  system  of  weights  and  measures  was  definitely  introduced  through  the 
law  of  10th  December,  1799,  the  organizing  law,  as  before  mentioned,  bearing  date 
7th  April,  1795. 

For  small  or  retail  trade  the  "syst^me  usuel"  was  introduced  and  permitted  through 
decree  of  February  12,  1812,  and  the  order  of  the  minister  of  the  interior,  of  28th  March 
in  the  same  year,  and  was  allowed  to  continue  in  use  until  by  the  law  of  4th  July,  1837, 
its  use  was  forbidden  from  Ist  January,  1840.  Although  forbidden  from  this  date,  the 
"  systeme  usuel "  was  actually  much  in  use  as  late  as  1861. 

The  interval  from  the  antecedent  organizing  (constitutive)  law  of  7th  April,  1795, 
and  the  law  definitely  introducing  the  metric  system  of  weights  and  measures  into 
France  of  10th  December,  1799,  is  four  years  and  eight  months. 

The  interval  from  the  decree  of  12th  February,  and  the  ministerial  order  of  28th 
March,  1812,  permitting  the  temporary  use  of  the  so-called  "  systeme  usuel,"  and  Ist 
January,  1840,  the  date  from  which  its  use  was  forbidden,  is  nearly  twenty-eight  years. 
(Twenty -seven  and  three-fourth  years.) 

The  interval  from  the  date  of  the  law  of  4th'  July,  1837  (interdicting  or  forbidding 
the  use  of  the  "systeme  usuel"  after  the  close  of  the  year  1839),  to  Ist  January,  1840, 
the  date  from  which  the  use  of  the  complete  or  pure  metric  system  was  made  compul- 
soi*y,  was  two  and  a  half  years. 

Germany. — The  customs  pound  (500  grams),  the  standard  customs  weight  of  the 
Customs  Union,  became  the  national  weight  on  1st  July,  ls58,  throughout  the  greater 
part  of  Germany,  and  for  a  shorter  time  throughout  the  present  empire. 

It  was  also  made  the  postal  weight  of  the  German  Postal  Union,  and  the  railroad 
weight  (for  freight)  of  the  Customs  Union,  and  since  February,  1852,  the  customs  weight 
of  the  Austrian  Empire,  and  through  the  Vienna  coin  treaty  of  24th  January,  1857,  the 
coin  weight  in  nearly  all  the  Grerman  States,  and  also  in  Austria. 

A  decree  relative  to  weights  and  measures  for  the  North  German  Union  was  promul- 
gated 17th  August,  1868.  This  decree  made  the  use  of  the  metric  system  of  weights 
and  measures  permissive  from  1st  January,  1870,  and  compulsory  from  1st  January, 
1872.  By  a  subsequent  law  of  the  German  Empire,  the  same  was  re-enacted  and  ex- 
tended throughout  the  realm.    Bavaria  adopted  it  by  a  law  of  29th  April,  1869. 

The  interval  from  the  date  of  the  decree  for  the  North  German  Union  to  the  date 
when  the  use  of  the  system  became  obligatory  was  three  and  one-third  years ;  and  from 
the  date  of  the  law  of  Bavaria  to  its  compulsory  use  was  two  and  two-third  years. 

In  Rhenish  Bavaria  the  metric  weights  and  measures  were  introduced  in  the  year 
1840.  Outside  of  the  Rhenish  provinces  the  system  was  non-metric  uutil  the  metric 
system  was  declared  optional  from  1st  January,  1870,  and  obligatory  from  1st  January, 
1872. 

In  Baden,  the  weights  and  measures  made  commensurable  with  the  metric  system 
by  law  of  November,  1810,  came  gradually  into  use,  until,  by  order  of  21st  August, 
1828,  their  use  was  made  compulsory  with  the  year  1831,  except  as  regards  medicinal 
weights,  which  have  been  metric  from  July  1,  1864. 

In  the  Grand  Duchy  of  Oldenburg,  until  the  end  of  1871,  the  system  of  weights  and 
measures  in  different  places  differed.  Only  the  metric  weight  by  the  law  of  19th  June, 
1857,  was  made  common  from  and  after  1st  July,  1858,  an  interval  of  one  year.  In 
Lubeck  this  weight  was  introduced  later. 

For  customs  purposes  the  new  pound  {\  kilogram)  and  the  centner  (50  kilograms)  have 
been  used  in  all  the  States  of  the  German  ZoUverein  (Customs  Union)  since  1st  Janu- 


86 


METRIC   SYS:KM 


i 


METRIC   SYSTEM. 


87 


ary,  18r>4,  iliviaed,  howevor,  as  to  the  ponnd,  into  thirty  loth.  Fnun  the  same  date  the 
pound  (^  kilogram),  divided  into  thirty  loth,  was  adopted  by  the  German-Austrian 
Zollverein  for  poatal  purposes. 

By  a  union  of  several  of  the  German  States  the  metric  pound  and  the  centner  were      / 
adopted  in  I85<i.    Since  24th  January,  It'oT,  the  coin  pound  of  500  grams  has  been      \ 
employed  for  the  purposes  of  coinage.     Metric  medicinal  wviyht  has  been  used  since 
185?^.  .  .    . 

Great  Britain.— The  French  metric  system  of  weights  and  measures  is  permissive 

by  law  of  1864. 

Greece.— (J //ffw*.)— French  metric  system  of  weights  and  measures  introduced  by 
law  of  28th  September,  1836,  but  with  the  common  Grecian  names.  In  the  Ionian 
Islands,  however,  the  English  weights  and  measures  have  been  legalized  since  1829. 

Hungary.— The  use  of  the  new  Austrian  (metric)  system  of  weights  and  measures 
was  made  permissive  from  1st  January,  1873,  and  obligatory  from  and  after  Ist  Janu- 
ary, 1876,  an  interval  of  three  years.  Article  VIII,  of  the  law  of  1874,  provided  for 
the  introduction  of  the  new  metric  system,  to  be  in  force  January  1, 1876. 

Italy.— Since  the  establishment  of  the  Kingdom  of  Italy  (I7th  March,  1861),  the 
weights  and  measures  are  the  French  metric.  This  system  has  been  compulsory  over 
the  Italian  peninsula  and  Sicily  since  Ist  January,  18G3.  It  was  introduced  into  Vene- 
tia  (Venice)  by  the  law  of  11th  March,  1869.  It  was  introduced  into  Lombardy  and  V 
Venice,  when  under  the  French  dominion,  in  the  year  1803,  but  came  into  permanent  ) 
use  only  for  governmental  or  administrative  purposes.  On  the  islwtd  of  Sardinia  it 
has  been  in  legal  use  since  Ist  January,  1846 ;  in  Genoa  since  1st  March,  1847 ;  in  the 
rest  of  Piedmont  since  1st  April,  1850;  in  the  continental  part  of  the  former  Kingdom 
of  Naples  since  Ist  January,  1861.  In  the  earlier  Papal  States  its  introduction  was 
ordered  in  1848  to  take  effect  from  the  year  1850,  but  prior  to  the  end  of  1870  has  not 
been  much  employed. 

In  the  former  Duchy  of  Parma,  since  1854,  the  Austrian  (or  German)  customs- weight 
(the  pound  of  500  grams)  has  been  employed  for  customs  purposes.  In  Leghorn  the 
metric  weight  for  wholesale  purposes  has  been  still  longer  in  use.  In  the  former  Duchy 
of  Modena  the  metric  system  of  weights  and  measures  was  introduced  first  in  1808, 
and  re-established  in  1849. 

Netherlands.— The  French  metric  system  of  weights  and  measures  was  introduced 
by  the  law  of  2lHt  August,  1816,  and  the  royal  decrees  of  29th  March  and  30th  Novem- 
ber, 1817.  The  length  measure  to  be  in  force  since  1821 ;  square  and  field  measure 
since  1821 ;  fluid  measure  since  1830;  commercial,  medicinal,  and  apothecaries'  weight 
since  1821. 

The  metric  system  established  by  the  law  of  1816  and  decrees  of  1817  applied  the 
old  designations  to  the  metric  units.  The  law  of  7th  April,  181)9,  established  frona  the 
commencement  of  the  year  1870  a  new  series  of  international  names,  with  the  optional 
use  for  the  first  ten  years  of  the  old  denominations. 

Norway.— In  the' Norwegian  Parliament,  on  the  22d  of  April,  1875,  the  government 
moved  for  the  introduction  of  the  metric  system  of  weights  and  measures.  y 

Portugal. — The  French  metric  system  of  weights  and  measures  compulsory  since  V 
Ist  October,  1868.  Metric  measures  of  length  and  surface  have  been  legally  in  use  in  \ 
Lisbon  since  1st  January,  1860  ;  in  the  provinces  since  Ist  March,  1860 ;  for  capacity 
and  weight  throughout  the  whole  land  since  the  end  of  1862.  For  customs,  tonnage- 
dues,  warehousing,  and  the  assessment  of  taxes,  the  French  system  has  been  in  force 
in  Lisbon  and  Oporto  since  September,  1860;  so  also  for  the  measurement  of  shipping 
by  a  decree  of  25th  August,  18<>0. 

RouMANiA.—(/^M(7<«/esf.)— According  to  a  royal  edict  of  27th  November,  1874,  the 
government  is  charged  with  the  duty  of  introducing  the  new  or  French  metric  system 
of  weights  and  measures,  but  its  use  is  not  yet  accomplished.  For  railroad  purposes 
they  reckon  according  to  the  French  kilometre. 

Sweden. — The  French  system  of  weights  and  measures  will  be  obligatory  with  the 
year  1883,  permissive  during  the  years  1881  and  1882 ;  and  for  customs  and  postal  pur- 
poses, also  for  railroad  transportation,  obligatory  from  the  commencement  of  1881. 

The  coin  weight  is  in  conformity  with  the  Scandinavian  coin  convention  of  18th 
December,  1872— the  French  metric.  The  medicinal  and  apothecary  weight  is  the 
French  metric  gramme  weight,  in  conformity  with  the  law  of  1864. 

Spain. — (J/«rfnV/.)— French  metric  weights  and  measures,  introduced  by  a  law  of 
19th  of  July,  1849,  to  go  into  operation  in  November,  1852.  For  a  portion  of  the  pro- 
vinces the  new  system  was  in  force  on  the  1st  January,  1855,  and  in  all  Spain,  from 
Ist  January,  1859. 

SwiTZERLANi>. — By  agreement  or  convention  of  17th  August,  18!^,  known  as  the 
"Maass  concordats,"  entered  into  between  twelve  Swiss  cantons,  other  cantons,  join- 
ing later,  a  modified  form  of  the  metric  system  was  established,  to  go  into  operation 
generally  with  1st  January,  1840,  an  interval  of  four  and  a  half  years,  but  in  Lucerne 
in  the  year  18:58,  an  interval  of  two  and  a  half  years. 

The  federal  law  of  23d  December,  1851,  introduced  for  the  whole  of  Switzerland  the 


> 


Y 


i\\ 


y 


system  of  the  "  Maass  concordats"  of  17th  August,  1835,  to  be  in  force  in  all  the  can- 
tons at  the  latest  by  December  31,  1856,  an  interval  of  five  years,  liie  facts  are  tnat 
almost  everywhere  it  has  been  enforced  since  1st  January,  18o3,  an  interval  ot  one 
year;  in  Neufchatel,  however,  since  March  1,  ia'>8,  an  interval  of  six  years.  In  June, 
1868,  the  federal  council  by  law  made  the  use  of  the  i>Mre  metric  system  optional  side 
by  side  with  the  present  system  of  the  "  Maass  concordats." 

ASIA. 

British  East  India.— (r'« /(«//«. )— In  the  year  1859  the  British  East  India  Govern- 
ment recommended  the  introduction  of  the  French  metric  system  of  weights  and  meas- 
ures, but  as  yet  without  result.  1.        .   VI.  J 

An  act  to  provide  for  the  ultimate  adoption  of  a  uniform  system  of  weights  and 
measures  of  capacity  throughout  British  India  was  passed  by  the  governor-general  of 
India  in  council  in  1871.    The  act  orders :  •  w    *       4.  i 

"Art.  2.— The  primary  standard  of  weight  shall  be  called  a  «er,  *a  weight  of  metal 
equal  when  weighed  in  a  vacuum  to  the  weight  known  in  France  as  the  kilogmmme. 

•*  Art.  3.— The  units  of  weights  and  measures  of  capacity  shall  be,  for  weights,  the 
said  ser;  for  measures  of  capacity,  a  measure  containing  one  such  ser  of  water  at  its 

maximum  density,  weighed  in  a  vacuum.  i.   .  v  n 

"Art.  4.    *     *    *    Every  w'etflr/j/ or  wje«8Mre  of  capacity  other  than  said  units  shall 

be  an  integral  multiple  or  integral  submultiple  of  one  of  the  units  aforesaid.'" 

Unless  otherwise  ordered  "the  subdivisions  of  all  such  weights  and  measures  of 
capacity  shall  be  expressed  in  decimal  parts."  ,     ,      ,  x 

The  use  of  metric  weights  and  measures  is  permissive,  and  the  local  governments 
are  empowered  to  make  it  compulsory  at  discretion. 

TVRKKY.— (Constantinople.)— The  French  metric  system  of  weights  and  measures  in- 
troduced by  the  organizing  law  of  September,  1869,  to  go  into  effect  for  all  purposes 
in  the  administration  of  the  empire  from  March,  1871.  Its  use  optional  to  the  public 
from  March,  1871;  to  March,  1874,  from  which  date  its  use  was  to  be  obligatory. 

The  interval  from  the  date  of  the  organizing  law  to  the  use  of  the  system  fur  pur- 
poses of  the  government  is  one  and  a  half  years,  and  the  interval  from  the  date  when 
made  permissive  to  that  when  made  generally  obligatory  is  four  and  a  half  years. 

Japan.— Weights  and  measures  in  general  are  non-metric,  but  for  coinage,  in  part, 
the  metric  unit  of  weight  is  employed.  "  The  gold  yen,  the  unit  of  account,  contains 
of  tine  gold  one  grain  and  a  half  and  weighs  one  grain  and  two-thirds,  being  of  nine- 
teuths  fineness,"  consequently  the  decagram  of  gold  of  the  ordinary  standard  of  nine- 
tenths  fineness  is  equivalent  in  value  exactly  to  six  yens.  It  is  stated  to  be  the  inten- 
tion  of  the  government  to  introduce  into  Japan  at  an  early  period  a  new  system  of 
weights  and  measures  based  on  the  decimal  system  of  France. 

AFRICA. 

Egypt.— In  July,  1875,  the  introduction  of  the  metric  system  of  weights  and  meas- 
ures was  ordered.  Ft)r  coinage,  the  gramme-weight  has  already  for  some  time  been  in 
use.  For  a  measurement  of  shipping,  the  Turkish,  the  metric  ton  of  1,000  kilogrammes, 
is  used. 

FRENCH    colonies. 

Algiers.— Since  March  1,  1843,  the  metric  system  of  weights  and  measures  is  legal- 
ized. The  use  of  the  older  system  is  strongly  forbidden,  but  it  continues  to  a  great 
ft^i'pufi  in  U.S6 

Reunion,  Isle  of  (formerly  Me  of  Jionrhou,  and  from  1809  to  1814  Me  of  Bonaparte), 
J  A.jcrt.— Weights  and  measures,  the  old  Parisian,  but  mare  and  more  the  new  metric 
coming  into  use.    The  metric  weight,  the  half  kilogramme,  has  for  many  years  been 

in  general  use.  ,         ,        ,  ^^,-j.-.-r         lo^e 

Senegambia  (Jfrica).— In  the  French  Senegal  colony,  by  a  decree  of  15th  June,  1825, 
the  use  of  the  old  weights  and  measures  is  forbidden,  with  the  exception  of  capacity 
measures  for  fruit,  and  the  French  metric  system  introduced. 

To  us,  then,  the  metric  system  is  no  longer  an  experiment.  Already  its  use  is  obli- 
gatory in  Belgium,  France)  Germany,  Greece,  Netherlands,  Italy,  Portugal,  Roumania, 
Spain,  and  Switzerland  ;  in  the  Argentine  Republic,  Brazil,  Peru,  San  Domingo,  United 
States  of  Colombia,  and  Uruguay— countries  aggregating  a  population  of  181,000,000— 
while  its  use  is  partial  or  legalized  in  Austria,  Azores,  Maderia  and  Cape  de  Verde 
Islands,  Central  American  States,  Denmark,  Japan,  Sweden,  Norway,  Turkey,  Spanish 
Possessions,  Great  Britain  and  the  British  Possessions,  and  our  own  country,  aggregat- 
ing a  population  of  375,000,000  more. 

In  view  of  these  facts  the  obligatory  use  of  the  metric  system  in  this  country  seems 
feasible,  and,  in  my  opinion,  it  is  desirable.  Not  only  will  such  use  bring  about  a 
complete  uniformity  of  standards  throughout  the  country,  but  the  system  will  prove 
especially  valuable* for  international  purposes. 


88 


METRIC    SYSTEM. 


From  table  E,  herewith  appended,  it  will  be  seen  that  for  the  year  ending  June  30, 
1877,  the  value  of  onr  imports  from  conn  tries  where  the  metric  system  is  obligatory 
amounted  to  $177,807,469;  partially  in  use,  ^17,378,735;  legalized,  $'265,211,585;  not 
legalized  or  in  nse,  only  $23,804,140.  Of  the  amount  received  from  countries  where 
its  use  is  legalized,  Great  Britain  and  British  Possessions  furnish  §185,667,400.  With 
these  countries  our  present  system  is  partly  in  harmony,  but  unfortunately  the  bulk 
of  our  trade  with  them,  as  before  stated,  is  made  up  of  articles  measured  by  the  bushel 
and  gallon,  neither  of  which  standards  corresponds  to  any  bushel  or  gallon  of  this 
country.  It  should  be  borne  in  mind  that  the  only  legalized  system  of  weights  and 
measures  in  this  country  to-day  is  the  metric  system,  and  that  this  system  is  the  only 
one  we  possess  in  harmony  with  that  of  any  other  country. 

Of  the  time  necessary  for  the  government  and  the  people  to  prepare  for  its  obliga- 
tory nse  there  may  be  some  diversity  of  opinion.  Consideriogthe  experiences  of  other 
nations  and  the  admitted  aptness  of  our  people  for  adapting  and  utilizing  improved 
methods  of  business,  I  am  clearly  of  opinion  that  a  notice  of  two  years  will  be  suffi- 
cient to  enable  the  government  to  prepare  for  the  adoption  of  the  system  in  all  admin- 
istrative transactions,  and  that  a  notice  of  ten  or  iif  teen  years  will  be  sufficient  to 
enable  the  country  to  prepare  for  its  obligatory  use  in  transactions  between  individuals. 
Possibly,  for  a  while  thereafter,  a  compromise  with  vulgar  fractions  and  existing  terms 
may  be  necessary,  but  meanwhile  the  new  system  will  be  taught  in  our  schools,  ex- 
plained in  the  public  press,  and  exemplified  by  our  experience,  and  in  a  comparatively 
brief  time  the  use  and  terms  of  the  old  system  will  disappear  as  have  those  of  Eng- 
lish money  before  the  advance  of  our  decimal  coinage. 
Very  respectfully, 

J.  K.  UPTON, 

Chk/  Clerk. 

Hon.  John  Sherman, 

Secretary  of  the  Trcasurif, 


A. — Table  of  the  usual  meanures  of  length,  exhihitiny  the  number  of  inehen  in  eaeh  denomi- 
nation and  their  equivalents  in  terms  of  the  metric  syntenu 

One  meter  =  39.370432  inches  ;*  one  inch  =  0.025399772  meter;  one  inch,  approximately 

0.0254  meter. 

*  This  valne  of  the  meter  was  a<lopted  by  the  United  States  Coast  Snrvey  on  the  report  of  a  new  de* 
termination  by  Colonel  Clark,  of  the  British  Ordnance  Siir^'ey.  It  has  since  been  rejected  by  Astrono* 
mer  Royal  Airey,  chaimiau  of  the  British  Standards  Commission. 

point  = 

line  = 

barleycorn  = 

nail  = 

palm  = 

hand  = 
link 

span  = 

quarter  = 

foot  = 
cubit  *  = 
ell  (Flemish) 

yard  = 
ell  (English) 
ell  (French) 

fathom  = 

rod,  perch,  or  pole  = 
donble  rod  or  half  chain       = 

chain  := 

tally  = 

furlong  = 

cable  length  = 

mile  = 

league  = 


tV 

inch 

-rV 

inch 

i 

inch 

2i 

inches 

3 

inches 

4 

inches 

7.9- 

1  inches 

9 

inches 

9 

inches 

12 

inches 

18 

inches 

27 

inches 

36 

inches 

45 

inches 

54 

inches 

72 

inches 

198 

inches 

:396 

inches 

792 

inches 

3,960 

inches 

7,920 

inches 

8,640 

inches 

63,360 

inches 

90,080 

inches 

0. 000353— 

meter. 

0. 002117— 

meter. 

0. 008467— 

meter. 

0. 057149+ 

meter. 

0. 0761994. 

meter. 

0. 101599+ 

meter. 

0.201166+ 

meter. 

0. 228598— 

meter. 

0. 22a598— 

meter. 

0. 304797+ 

meter. 

0. 457196— 

meter. 

0.  (585794- 

meter. 

0. 914392— 

meter. 

1.142990— 

meters. 

1. 371588 

meters. 

1. 828784— 

meters. 

5.029155— 

meters. 

10. 058310— 

meters. 

20. 116619+ 

meters. 

100. 583097+ 

meters. 

201. 166194+ 

meters. 

219. 454033+ 

meters. 

1,609.329554— 

meters. 

4, 827. 988662— 

meters. 

{ 


<\y 


^iY 


i\y 


METRIC    SYSTEM. 


89 


B. — Table  of  the  UHunl  measures  of  weighty  exhibiting  the  number  of  grains  in  each  denomina- 
tion and  their  equivalents  in  terms  of  the  metric  system. 


y 


>- 


•w  > 


gram ;  one  grain,  approx- 


One  grara=15. 43234874  grains;  one  gra!n=0. 06479895036 

imately  0.0648  gram. 

troy  grain  = 

apothecary  grain  = 

avoirdupois  grain  = 

scruple  = 

pennyweight  = 

drachm  (avoirdu^Jois)  = 

drachm  (apothecary)  = 

ounce  (avoirdupois)  — 

ounce  (apothecary)  = 

ounce  (troy)  = 

pound  (troy)  = 

pound  (apothecary)  = 

pound  (avoirdupois)  = 

quarter  (25  lbs.  av.)  = 

quarter  (28  lbs.  av.)  = 

hundred-weight  (cental)  = 
hundred  weight (112 lbs.a v.)  = 

ton  (2,000  lbs.  av.)  = 

ton  (2,240  lbs.  av.)  = 


C. — Table  of  the  usual  measures  of  capacity,  exhibiting  the  number  of  cuhic  inclu-s  in  eac^ 
denomination  and  their  equivalents  in  terms  of  the  metric  system. 

[One  liter  or  cubic  decimeter=€1.02538677  *  cubic  inches;  one  cubic  inch=0 016386G227  cubic  deci- 
meter] 


1 

gram 

0. 064799      gram. 

1 

grain  — 

0. 064799      gram. 

1 

grain 

0. 064799      gram. 

20 

grains  — 

1.295979+  grams. 

24 

grains 

1.555175 —  grams. 

27. 344- 

-grains  — 

1.771846+  grams. 

60 

grains  — 

3.887937+  grams. 

437.  5 

grains  — 

28. 349541—  grams. 

480 

grains 

31. 103496+  grams. 

480 

grams  = 

31. 103496+  grams. 

5, 760 

grains 

373.241954+  grams. 

5,760 

grains  — 

373.241954+  grams. 

7,000 

grains  — 

453. 592653—  grams. 

175, 000 

grams  = 

11, 399. 816313+  grams. 

196. 000 

grains  — 

12, 700. 594271—  grams. 

700,000 

grains  — 

45, 359. 265252+  grams. 

784, 000 

grams  — 

50,802.377082+  grams. 

14,000,000 

grains 

907,185.30504  +  grams. 

15,680,000 

grains  —  1 

,016,065.541645 —  grams. 

mimm 

fluid-drachm 

fluid-ounce 

gill  (wine  measure) 

pint  (wine  measure) 

pint  (dry  measure) 

pint  (beer  measure) 

quart  (wine  measure) 

quart  (dry  measure) 

quart  (beer  measure) 

gallon  (wine  measure) 

gallon  (dry  measure) 

gallon  (beer  measure) 

geek  (dry  measure) 
ushel  (dry  measure) 

firkin  (beer  measure) 

barrel  (wine  measure) 

tierce  (wine  measure) 

barrel  (beer  measure) 

hogshead  (wine  measure)  , 
hogshead  (beer  measure) .. 
puncheon  (wine  measure) . 
puncheon  (beer  measure) . 

Eipe  (wine  measure) 
utt  (beer  measure) 

tun  (wine  measure) 

chaldron  (dry  measure)... 


Cubic  inches. 

Liters  or  cubic 
decimeters. 

0.0038— 

.0000616— 

0.226- 

.0036966— 

1.805— 

.029573— 

7.219— 

.  118291— 

28.875 

.  473164— 

'J3.6 

.550596— 

35.25 

.  577628+ 

57.75 

.946327+ 

67.2-H 

1.  lOliyi-f 

70.5+ 

1. 155257— 

231 

3. 785310— 

2«8.8+ 

4.404765+ 

2«2 

4.  621028— 

537. 6+ 

8.809530+ 

2, 150. 42 

35  238121-+ 

2,538 

41.  589248+ 

7, 276. 5 

119.  237260+ 

9, 702 

158.  983013+ 

10, 152 

166.  356994— 

14.553 

238.  474520+ 

15,228 

249.  535490+ 

19.404 

317.  966027— 

20,304 

332.  714987+ 

29.106 

476. 949040+ 

30,456 

499.  070981— 

58,212 

953.  898081— 

77, 415. 12 

1,268.572363— 

*  This  value  calculated  from  Clarke's  determination  of  the  meter  in  inches  differs  from  the  values 
calculated  by  Captain  Kater,  which  is  the  standard  in  England. 


^0 


METRIC   SYSTEM. 


1 


METRIC    SYSTiM. 


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92 


METRIC   SYSTEM. 


METRIC   SYSTEM. 


93 


In  addition  to  the  articles  named  in  the  above  table,  the  following  weights  per 
bushel  of  the  following  articles  are  established  by  law  in  the  States  indicated,  viz  : 

Coke :  Pennsylvania,  40  ponnds  to  the  bushel ;  Ohio,  40  pounds  to  the  bushel ;  Iowa, 
38  ponnds  to  the  bushel. 

Hominy :  Massachusetts,  50  pounds  to  the  bushel;  Ohio,  GO  pounds  to  the  bushel. 
Pease,  ground  :  Georgia,  25  ponnds  to  the  bushel ;  Kentucky,  24  pounds  to  the  bushel. 
Parsnips:   Connecticut,  45  pounds  to  the  bushel;   Wisconsin,  44  pounds  to  the 
bnshel ;  Montana,  50  ponnds  to  the  bushel. 

Ruta-bagas  :  Maine,  GO  pounds  to  the  bushel ;  Connecticut,  60  pounds  to  the  bushel ; 
Wisconsin,  56  pounds  to  the  bushel. 

Mangel-wnrzel :  Maine,  CO  pounds  to  the  bushel ;  Connecticut,  60  pounds  to  the 
bushel ;  Washington  Territory,  50  pounds  to  the  bushel. 

Vegetables,  not  specified  :  Rhode  Island,  50  pounds  to  the  bushel ;  Washington  Ter- 
ritory, 50  ponnds  to  the  bushel. 

Onion  top  sets :  Virginia,  28  pounds  to  the  bnshel ;  Nebraska,  25  pounds  to  the 
bnshel. 
Dried  fruit—Plums :  Michigan,  28  pounds  to  the  bushel. 

Peaches,  peeled :  Virginia,  40  pounds  to  the  bushel ;  Georgia,  38  pounds 
to  the  bushel. 
Cnrrants,  gooseberries,  and  grapes :  Iowa,  40  ponnds  to  the  bushel. 
Other  berries :  Rhode  Island,  32  pounds  to  the  bushel ;  Michigan,  40  pounds  to  the 
bnshel ;  Iowa,  32  pounds  to  the  bushel. 
Chestnuts  :  Virginia,  57  pounds  to  the  bushel. 
Peanuts :  Virginia,  22  pounds  to  the  bnshel. 

Seeds— Broom-corn ;   Iowa,  30  pounds  to  the  bushel;   Dakota,  30  pounds  to  the 
bushel. 
Cotton :   Georgia,  :U)  pounds  to  the  bushel ;   Missouri,  33  pounds  to  the 

bnshel. 
Osage  orange:  Virginia,  34  pounds  to  the  bnshel ;  Michigan,  33  pounds  to 
the  bushel;  Iowa,  32  pounds  to  the  bushel ;  Nebraska,  32  pounds  to  the 
bushel. 
Rape :  Wisconsin,  50  pounds  to  the  bnshel. 

Sorghum  :  Iowa,  30  pounds  to  the  bushel ;  Nebraska,  30  pounds  to  the  bushel. 
Orchard  grass :  Virginia,  14  pounds  to  the  bushel ;  Michigan,  14  i>ounds  to 

the  bushel. 
Redtop:  Virginia,  12  ponnds  to  the  bushel;   Michigan,  14  pounds  to  the 
bushel. 
Saod :  Iowa,  130  pounds  to  the  bnshel. 


111. 

Statement  Hhowitiff  the  pojmlafion,  imports  into  and  exports  from  the  United  States^  of  the  ^ 
variouH  conntries  of  the  world,  an-anged  in  (jronpn  according  to  the  adoption  and  lefjaJiza-      i 
/ion  of  the  metric  system. 


Countries. 


OULIGATOKY. 

Ara«ii tine  Republic 

Belginm 

Bra^ 

Chili 

France  and  French  possessions 

Germany 

Greece 

Italy 

Mexico 

Netherlands 

Peru - 

Portugal - 

Konmania 

San  Dominic 


t 

1.- 

1- 

a  ' 

>x 

^^ 

s»- 

tO'^ 

^*^ 

t- 

■*»   . 

OC   •. 

tiou. 

p:- 

«  a 

ticexpor 
June  30 

1 

Z9 

a 

11 

la 

r^ 

M 

f^ 

1, 812,  490 

$3, 449,  559 

$1. 129, 168 

897, 614 

5.  Xi6, 634 

5. 079, 149 

18, 206,  025 

626, 034 

10,  108,  291 

43, 498,  041 

7,4!»9,118 

83,  695 

2,  068,  424 

698,716 

2, 175,  467 

52, 084 

42, 100,  921 

52,  862,  387 

48,  526, 163 

1, 591,  782 

42, 723,  242 

:J3,  035,  485 

58, 192, 511 

655,303 

1. 457,  894 

523, 128 

190, 170 

6,458* 

27, 482, 174 

7, 105.  366 

8,  484,  496 

10,172 

9, 276,  079 

15,  444, 583 

4,  509,  041 

1,  389,  692 

3.  809,  527 

2,  547. 119 

10,411,757 

156.  .^78 

2,720,735 

1,  545.  461 

1, 239.  006 

61,546 

4, 298,  881 

524,826 

2, 361, 734 

19,030 

5,  073, 000 
250,000 

560,709 

662^201 

42.920 

4 


Statement  showimj  the  jwpnlation,  imports  into  and  exports  from  the  United  States,  of  the 

various  countries  of  the  tvorld,  ^t. — Continued. 


Countries. 


Obugatoby— Continued. 


Spain 

Switzerland 

Fnited  States  of  Colombia. 
Uruguay 


Total, 


PARTIALLY  IX  U8E. 


-<iy 


Au.stria 

Azores,  Madeira,  and  Cape  de  Verde  Islands. 

Central  ^Vmerican  States 

Denmark 

Japan 

Sweden  and  Norway 

Turkey  in  Europe 


p4 


16.551,647 

2, 669, 147 

2,  910, 329 

350,000 


P. 

s 


5  » 


$:?,  280,  836 


5,  454, 393 
2, 197, 711 


$10,  461-,  750 


$11, 726 


4, 022,  232 
1,  077,  434 


92,  167 

22,953 


180,999,415  1     177.807,469  1     179,148,333         4,919,754 


Total 


LEGALIZED. 


Great  Britain  and  British  possessions 

Spanish  possessions  (Cuba,  Porto  Kico,  &c.) 


37, 700, 000 

378, 681 

2,  577,  4.54 

1, 903,  000 

:]3, 110,  825 
6, 186, 173 
8,  500, 000 


90, 356, 133 


414,020 

92, 351 

2,  8f  3,  602 

9,053 

13,  689,  433 

243,  562 

46,  714 


17,  .378,  735 


2, 666, 246 
413,  637 

1,  304,  348 
3,  329,  725 

2,  .539,  641 
3,041,625 
8, 344,  522 


2,300 

1,638 

52,338 


385, 243 
15, 144 


21, 639,  744 


456,663 


237, 392, 000 
8, 381, 000 


1R5. 667.  400 
979,544,185 


437,  802,  600 
15, 253, 358 


14, 163, 923 
4,  033,  651 


iiY 


Total 

NOT  LEGALIZED  OR  IN  USE. 

Danish  West  Indies '  37,600 

Dutch  East  Indies \  oa  aqi  nnn 

Dutch  West  Indies  and  Dutch  Guiana i   -i,  loi,  wu 

China 433,500,000 


245, 773, 000       265, 21 1 ,  585       453, 0.55, 958       1 8, 197, 574 


V 


Greenland 

Hawaiian  Islands 

Hayti 

Liberia* 

Ilussia 

Turkey  in  Asia  and  Africa f. 


Total 


9,  800 

56,  897 

572,  000 

18,000 

84, 702, 980 

33,336,000  I 


284,  480 

4,  511,  444 

735, 525 

11,141,447 

137,  465 

2,  6;n,  7(53 

3,  303,  709 

57,  470 
618,  534 
382,303 


743, 164 
2, 667,  893 

987,  322 
3. 178,  594 

"i,'29G,'942* 

3,  851,  336 
122,  819 

4,  423, 661 
993,  979 


8,592 


18,308 
2, 173, 290 

*   163.520 

64,664 

1,861 

769 


576, 714, 277  ]      23, 804, 140 


iH,  265. 710         2,  431,  004 


^    >- 


*  Population  of  Liberia:  Negroes,  civilized,  18,000 ;  negroe.s,  indigenous,  700,000.    Population  of  United 
States  in  1870,  38,558.371. 

♦  System  lately  legalized,  see  above. 

Reply  of  C.  P.  Patterson,  Superintendent  of  United  States  Coast  Survey. 

United  States  Coast-Survey  Office, 

Washington,  March  2'S,  1878. 

Sir:  I  have  the  honor  to  acknowledge  the  receipt  of  your  communication  of  the  10th 
of  November,  1877,  with  which  was  transmitted  a  copy  of  the  resolution  adopted  by 
the  House  of  Representatives  in  relation  to  a  proposed  change  from  the  standard  units 
of  weight  and  measure,  now  in  common  use  in  the  United  States,  to  those  of  the  met- 
ric system,  and  requesting  an  expression  of  views  from  this  office. 

Frequent  consultation  with  Prof.  J.  E.  Hilgard,  the  assistant  in  charge  of  the  Coast- 
Survey  Office  and  inspector  of  standard  weights  and  measures,  has  shown  that  our 
views  generally  coincided  in  relation  to  the  metric  system  itself,  and  also  in  regard  to 
the  general  policy  to  be  followed  in  the  endeavor  to  substitute  throughout  the  country 
a  system  of  weights  and  measures  entirely  foreign  to  that  in  common  use  with  us,  and 
which  has  grown  through  many  generations  to  be  part  of  our  inherited  thought. 
Professor  Hilgard  having,  moreover,  had  special  charge  and  direction  for  many  years 
of  the  details  pertaining  to  our  standard  weights  and  measures,  I  placed  the  matter 
of  inquiry,  which  was  the  subject  of  the  House  resolution,  in  his  hands  for  discussion. 


34 


METRIC    SYSTEM. 


METEIC    SYSTEM. 


85 


The  result  is  the  very  able  report  which  I  have  the  honor  to  inclose  herewith,  and 
which  I  folly  indorse,  except  in  regard  to  the  time  requisite  for  effecting  the  change 
and  making  it  obligatory  in  law. 

As  Professor  Hilgard  well  says,  "  Oar  habit  is  to  have  our  laws  follow  onr  customs, 
and  not  our  customs  our  laws,"  the  first  being  from  the  people  and  the  last  from  the 
arbitrary  action  of  irresponsible  authority. 

To  effect  the  change  referred  to  without  shock  to  the  people  and  great  loss  to  very 
large  investments,  it  would  be  necessary,  in  my  opinion,  for  the  law  to  require  that 
all  governmental  and  State  business  and  returns  should  be  expressed  in  the  terms  of 
both  systems— the  system  now  in  use  and  that  proposed  to  be  introduced,  side  by  side  ; 
that  the  metric  system  should  be  taught  in  all  institutions  of  learning,  both  public 
and  private ;  and  that  there  should  be  constant  agitation  and  energetic  pressure  of 
the  new  system  upon  public  attention  by  all  persons  earnestly  interested  in  the  change 
for  a  period  of  not  less  than  thirty-five  years. 

It  is  certain  that  very  few  adults  now  living  would  ever  become  familiar  with  the 
units  of  the  me.tric  system,  but  would  retain  the  habit  of  reverting  to  the  foot,  the 
jwund,  and  our  other  units,  mentally  at  least,  even  after  the  law  had  disfranchised  the 

old  units. 

The  problem  of  a  change  of  the  kind  proposed  in  a  great  commercial,  agricultural, 
and  manufacturing  country  like  our  owu  is  vastly  more  difficult  than  it  would  be  in 
nations  the  larger  portion  of  the  inhabitants  of  which  deal  only  in  a  limited  manner 
with  small  quantities.  This  subject  has  been  a  matter  of  much  thought  to  myself  for 
several  years,  and  the  more  I  have  heard  it  discussed  the  more  convinced  I  have  be- 
come that  a  matter  so  grafted  into  the  daily  habit  and  thought  of  the  whole  people 
can  only  be  changed  by,  as  it  were,  the  slowest  absorption,  and  that  not  less  than 
thirty-five  years  will  be  required  to  effect  even  a  semblance  of  a  change,  after  the  date 
of  the  law  fixing  a  time  when  the  new  system  shall  be  compulsory. 

Some  enthusiasts  earnestly  believe,  taking  counsel  of  their  own  earnestness  and 
hopefulness,  that  a  complete 'change  could  be  effected  throughout  the  country  in,  say, 
from  five  to  ten  years;  but  we  have  only  to  remember  the  length  of  time  it  has  re- 
quired for  the  decimal  coinage,  the  most  facile  of  all  standards  to  change,  to  obtain 
universal  acceptance  and  usage  in  all  parts  of  the  United  States.  In  some  places,  to  this 
day,  after  a  hundred  years  of  trial,  we  occasionally  hear  that  eight  shillings,  or  six 
shillings,  or  four  and  sixpence  "make  a  dollar;  "  and  only  a  few  years  since  we  heard 
of  "picayunes"  and  "bits,"  which  respectively  were  worth  6i  cents  and  ]2^  cents, 
suggesting  the  naturalness  to  the  uninstructed  mind  (a  majority  in  all  countries)  of 
the  binary  system  in  lieu  of  the  decimals,  as  the  system  of  halvimj  is  almost  universal. 
The  decimal  is,  for  all  scientific  computations,  indispensable,  but  it  is  still  an  open 
question  which  is  the  best  for  ordinary  use  in  life,  the  decimal  or  the  binary— thi» 
natural  or  that  artificial  system. 

I  am  well  aware  that  the  rising  generation  in  this  rapid  nation  of  ours,  who  look 
forward,  think  a  view  of  thirty  or  forty  years  interminable;  but  we,  who  look  back, 
know  how  sadly  short  it  is.  The  only  hope  of  a  thorough  change  from  our  system  to 
the  metric  system  is  in  the  education  of,  not  only  the  present  rising  generation,  but  of 
that  which  is  to  come  after  a  law  shall  be  adopted  fixing  the  date  when  the  new  sys- 
tem should  be  compulsory. 

I  earnestly  recommend  that,  in  a  matter  so  nearly  touching  all  relations  of  life  in 
this  busy  nation,  no  law  be  passed  upon  this  subject  without  the  most  mature  delibera- 
tion, and  that,  when  passed,  it  should  not  have  compulsory  effect  until  at  least  thirty- 
live  years  after  the  date  of  its  passage. 
Very  respectfully,  yours, 

C.  P.  PATTERSON, 
SiqieruitrndetU  Coast  Snrvcij. 

Hon.  John  Sukrmax, 
•        JSecretarif  of  tin  Ticasnry^  Wunhhuilont  D.  C. 


^1  V 


iiy 


Bureau  of  Weights  axd  Measi'res, 
United  States  Coa^jt-Survey  Office, 

Waxhingionj  March  21,  1878. 

Sir  :  The  answer  to  the  resolution  of  the  House  of  Representatives  relative  to  the 
obligatory  use  of  metric  measures,  referred  by  you  to  this  office  for  report,  may  be 
conveniently  arranged  under  the  following  heads  : 
I.  As  to  the  operations  of  the  Coast  Survey. 
II.  As  to  those  of  other  bureaus  of  the  Treasury  Department. 
III.  As  to  the  people  at  large. 

These  will  be  considered  consecutively,  and  as  the  last  question  of  the  resolution 
opens  the  whole  subject,  it  will  not  be  improper  to  consider  its  bearing  upon  some 
other  branch  of  the  public  service. 


I.  In  the  nporations  of  the  Coast  Survey  the  meter  is  used,  and  has  been  employed 
from  the  first  as  the  unit  of  measure.  The  depths  of  water  or  sounding  are,  neverthe- 
less, expressed  in  feet  and  fathoms,  in  conformity  with  the  immemorial  custom  of 
American  and  British  mariners.  To  have  given  the  depths  of  channels  m  the  unf^ 
miliar  unit  of  meters  would  have  obviously  destroyed  the  usefulness  of  the  charts  and 
added  another  element  of  danger.  The  object  of  the  charts  being  that  of  giving  im- 
portant information  in  the  most  available  form,  not  that  of  diffusing  a  knowledge  of 
the  metric  system,  the  use  of  feet  and  fathoms  was  im])erative  for  the  depth  of  water, 
and  as  a  matter  of  consistency  the  elevations  of  the  land  are  likewise  expressed  in 

oil  the  Coast-Survey  maps,  in  addition  to  the  natural  or  metric  scale,  expressed  in  a 
decimal  ratio  to  the  natural  dimensions,  such  as  jahnu,  finVuTT.  &c.,  are  given  scales  of 
land  miles  and  sea  miles,  the  latter  being  an  angular  rather  than  a  linear  measure,  viz, 

X'  of  arc 
In  the  printed  tables  of  positions  determined  by  the  Coast  Survey,  the  distances  are 

given  in  meters,  yards,  and  miles.  .         ^       .  j  • 

After  these  explanations,  it  will  be  apparent  that  the  metric  system  is  now  used  in 
the  Coast  Survey  to  the  full  extent  that  is  consistent  with  the  usefulness  of  the  form 
in  which  the  results  are  given  to  the  people.  .     o  j..    ■         .  i 

The  exclusive  use  of  metric  units  would  deprive  the  charts  of  much  of  their  useful- 
ness, at  least  until  the  metric  system  had  become  perfectly  familiar  to  our  mariners, 
and  they  had  accustomed  themselves  to  think  of  the  draught  of  vessels  and  to  regu- 
late souudiug-lines  in  meters  and  tenths.  ,      ,     • 

If  American  charts  of  American  coasts  were  now  issued  with  depths  in  meters,  the 
result  would  be  that  every  one  would  use  the  British  reproduction  of  the  same,  in  which 
the  customarv  units  are  used.  .  .  , 

The  only  mode  of  furthering  the  gradual  adoption  of  the  metric  units  in  navigation 
would  seem  to  be  by  the  publication  of  the  charts  in  two  forms,  ooe  giving  fathoms 
and  feet,  the  other  meters  and  tenths,  in  order  that  the  mariner  or  pilot  may  choose 

those  which  he  prefers.  .  *      •  i  i. 

II.  Other  bureaus  of  the  Treasury  Department  in  whose  operations  measures  of  weight, 
length,  or  capacity  are  seriously  involved,  are  those  having  charge  of  cohuiyv,  customs, 

and  of  iitterual  rercnue.  ,1^.1  1    j 

The  officers  having  charge  of  those  important  interests  have,  no  doubt,  been  asked 
to  express  their  opinions;  but  the  form  of  reference  of  the  House  resolution  to  this 
office  seems  to  call  for  an  independent  review  of  the  question. 

In  the  matter  of  coinage  there  appears  to  be  no  serious  objection  to  making  the  ex- 
clusive use  of  metric  weights  obligatorv.  In  the  inside  operations  of  the  mints,  they 
have  long  been  emploved  in  assaying.  In  the  transfer  of  bullion  and  coin,  troy  ounces, 
with  decfmal  subdivisions,  are  in  customary  use.  It  cannot  be  said  that  metric  units 
would  be  more  convenient,  since  the  advantages  of  a  decimal  system  are  already  ob- 
tained ;  but  they  would  be  equally  so,  the  persons  engaged  in  the  work  being  of  great 
intellitrence  and  readilv  able  to  make  their  statements  in  either  form.  Depositors  ol 
bullion  for  coinage  or  dealers  with  the  mints  being  beneficiaries,  could  be  reasonably 
required  to  conform  to  anv  system  the  government  saw  fit  to  adopt. 

In  the  matter  of  customs  or  duties  on  imports,  the  question  assumes  a  peculiar  form. 
Importations  from  nations  using  metric  units  are  now  stated  in  metrical  invoices, 
while  those  from  non-metric  nations,  of  which  the  invoices  from  Great  Britain  form 
the  larger  part,  are  mainly  stated  in  the  customary  units  of  this  country,  and  in  con- 
formity with  the  terms  of  the  tariff.  . 

As  the  metric  units  are  legal  in  this  country,  it  would  appear  to  require  only  an  ex- 
ecutive order  that  the  duties  be  levied  upon  the  metric  invoices  according  to  the  law- 
ful equivalents,  without  first  converting  meters  into  yards,  kilograms  into  pounds,  liters 
into  o^allons.  On  the  other  hand,  to  require  invoices  in  the  customary  units  to  be  trans- 
formed into  metric  units,  as  would  be  implied  by  the  "  obligatory  "  use  of  the  latter, 
appears  to  serve  no  useful  purpose  except  that  of  propagating  the  metric  system  to  the 
great  inconvenience  of  evervbody  concerned.  The  permissive  use  of  two  different  sets 
of  units  in  assessing  the  duties  may  appear  to  some  minds  objectionable  as  a  want  of 
"  system  "  but  there  is  an  inherent  diversity  in  the  case  which  has  to  be  met  at  one 
point  or  the  other,  and  which  may  be  illustrated  by  saying  that  it  is  doubtless  conven- 
ient that  some  custom-house  ofticers  should  know  the  German  and  French  languages 
as  well  as  the  English.  Until  all  nations  use  the  same  language  and  the  same  money, 
but  little  is  gained  in  the  way  of  unification  of  values  by  making  the  units  of  weight 

and  dimension  alike.  ,  .,  -  •        -^ 

In  view  of  the  want  of  simple  relations  between  the  customary  and  the  metric  units, 
the  department  may  find  it  convenient  to  procure  some  legislativ^e  authority  for  throw- 
ing oft'  certain  fractions  in  the  table  which  would  express  the  duties  on  metric  in- 
voices, on  the  basis  of  the  legalized  equivalent.  If  such  concession  to  simplicity 
were  made  in  favor  of  the  metric  units,  their  employment  would  doubtless  be  stimu- 
ated  by  such  advantage. 


96 


METRIC   SYSTEM. 


METRIC   SYSTEM. 


97 


Recniring  to  the  qnestion  of  the  Honse,  what  inconvenience  to  the  public  service 
would  arise  from  the  obligatory  use  of  the  metric  system  in  the  customs  department, 
the  answer  is  that  great  inconvenience  would  arise  from  the  want  of  familiarity  with 
that  system  of  the  officers  assessing  the  duties.  It  must  be  borne  in  mind  that  the 
efficiency  of  such  an  officer  depends  in  the  greatest  degree  upon  his  familiarity  with 
the  values  of  goods  submitted  to  his  inspection,  and  that  he  cannot  separate  in  his 
mind  the  expression  of  measure  from  that  of  value.  The  expression  which  gives  him 
a  check  on  fraudulent  invoices  is  fixed  in  his  mind  in  such  form  as — this  quality  of 
silk  is  worth  so  much  per  yard  ;  this  tea  is  worth  so  much  per  pound,  &c.  The  trans- 
formation into  other  terms  of  measure  will  break  away  entirely  from  his  habits  of 
thought,  and  his  experience  is  practically  lost. 

It  is  not  disputed  that  other  and  younger  men  would  gain  experience  on  the  new 
basis,  and  the  qnestion  as  to  the  term  within  which  the  use  of  a  new  system  might  be 
made  obligatory  and  exclusive  may,  from  this  point  of  view,  be  answered,  that  not 
less  than  twelve  years  should  elapse.  We  should  always  bear  in  mind,  however,  that 
if  any  term  be  lixed  it  will  be  necessary  to  hold  out  such  contingent  iuducements  as 
to  lead  the  people  to  adopt  that  system  in  their  private  transactions ;  otherwise  we 
should  find  ourselves,  at  the  end  of  any  stated  term,  confronted  by  the  same  state  of 
facts  as  at  present,  namely,  that  the  usage  of  the  people  does  not  conform  to  that 
proposed  by  the  government. 

Moreover,  we  should  bear  in  mind  that  in  this  matter  of  duties  on  importations,  as 
in  that  of  taxes  on  domestic  manufactures,  the  government  is  the  beneficiary,  unlike 
the  case  of  roinage  before  treated  of,  and  that  in  the  latter  cases  the  government  prac- 
tically assumes  to  be  a  partner  in  the  transaction,  and  should  not  impose  conditions 
onerous  to  its  active  partner,  the  importer  or  home  manufacturer. 

In  the  Internal  Revenue  Department  the  principal  subjects  of  taxation  are  tobacco 
and  alcoholic  spirits.  The  value  of  the  former  product  depends  so  much  upon  quali- 
ties which  are  not  reducible  to  weight  or  measure  that  it  need  not  be  specially  con- 
sidered here,  since  general  considerations  applied  to  spirits  will  equally  apply  to 
tobacco. 

A  very  large  proportion  of  the  internal  revenue  is  derived  from  the  imposts  upon 
alcoholic  spirits.  The  questions  submitted  bear  most  forcibly  upon  this  branch  of  the 
public  service,  as  it  is  a  case  where  the  practice  of  estimating  the  values  is  of  no  con- 
sequence to  other  nations,  it  being  wholly  a  matter  between  the  government  and  the 
people  engaged  in  the  business  of  converting  grain  into  alcohol. 

The  government  is  largely  the  beneficiary  in  the  transaction.  It  is  not  only  due  to 
the  people  that  they  should  not  be  needlessly  compelled  to  use  an  unfamiliar  way  of 
accounting  with  the  government,  but  it  is  greatly  to  the  interest  of  the  latter  that  in 
a  matter  of  so  vast  importance  to  its  revenue  the  experience  of  its  officers  should  not 
be  lost.  An  experienced  ganger,  to  give  an  illustration,  has  a  check  on  his  measures 
and  calculations  by  familiarity  with  sizes  of  casks,  the  contents,  in  gallons,  of  which 
he  can  estimate  very  nearly ;  but  if  required  to  express  them  in  liters,  this  experience 
would  wholly  fail ;  and  it  is  safe  to  say  that  such  familiarity  with  the  metric  meas- 
ures would  never  be  acquired  by  the  same  persons. 

The  objection,  then,  to  making  the  use  of  the  metric  measures  obligatory  in  this  part 
of  the  public  service  is  that  the  liability  to  error  would  be  greatly  increased,  and  that 
the  manufacturer  and  dealer  would  lose  the  advantage  they  now  have,  and  which  is 
fairly  due  them,  of  having  the  taxed  value  of  the  product  expressed  in  quantities  that 
are  customarily  used  in  their  trade. 

On  the  other  hand,  the  advantages  to  be  derived  from  the  use  of  metric  measures 
are,  in  this  instance,  hardly  assignable. 

The  statistics  of  this  and  other  branches  of  the  public  service  would  doubtless  be 
more  universally  available  if  they  were  expressed  in  both  the  customary  and  the  metric 
units.  This  can  be  readily  etfected  by  converting  aggregates,  without  imposing  the 
use  of  metric  measures  in  every  single  transaction. 

The  general  answer  to  the  question  of  how  long  a  preliminary  notice  should  be  given 
before  the  obligatory  use  can  be  introduced  without  detriment  to  the  public  service, 
necessarily  depends  largely  upon  the  estimate  of  the  time  that  must  elapse  before  the 
people  become  practically  acquainted  with  the  new  system.  So  far  as  the  matter  of 
the  collection  of  taxes  upon  spirits  is  concerned,  it  is  the  opinion  of  this  office  that  it 
should  not  be  enforced  before  If^iK),  in  order  to  give  time  for  the  instruction  now  given 
in  public  schools  to  reach  a  large  number  of  officers  and  persons  engaged  in  the  busi- 
ness. 

III.  In  attempting  to  form  an  opinion  upon  the  question,  "  What  objections  there 
are,  if  any,  to  make  the  metrical  system  obligatory  in  all  transactions  between  indi- 
viduals, and  what  is  the  earliest  date  that  can  be  set  for  its  obligatory  use  throughout 
the  United  States  ?"  the  following  considerations  present  themselves: 

1.  That  the  adoption  of  the  metric  system  by  the  people  of  the  United  States  would 
be  an  advantage  is  taken  for  granted  by  the  House  resolution.  Admitting  this  as- 
sumption, it  is  useful  to  state  here  the  groupds  upon  which  it  rests.    These  are  two- 


^1 V 


^  I  > 


1'   > 


/ 


Y 


ih 


fold,  namely,  inherent  convenience  and  probable  universality.  The  first  point  is  sus- 
tained by  its  conformity  to  the  universal  system  of  decimal  arithmetic,  and  the  direct 
relations  between  measures  of  length,  volume,  and  weight.  The  second  is  asserted  on 
the  basis  that  the  metric  system  has  been  adopted  by  nations  whose  population  far 
outnumbers  that  of  those  nations  with  whom  the  Anglo-Saxon  units  are  customary. 

A  careful  review  of  the  logical  and  historical  facts  in  the  premises  leads  this  office 
to  the  opinion  that  if  any  universal  system  of  weights  and  measures  is  to  obtain,  the 
metric  system  is  the  one  that  has  at  present  the  greatest  probability  of  supplanting 
all  others.  Before  its  adoption  by  the  German  and  Austrian  Empires,  within  the  last 
six  years,  this  probability  was  by  no  means  very  decided ;  for  many  of  the  millions  of 
people  counted  as  having  the  metric  system  in  use  were  in  fact  not  using  any  measures 
at  all,  being  herders  and  peasants,  while  among  the  non-metric  nations  manufactures 
and  commerce  were  flourishing.  The  United  States,  Great  Britain,  and  Russia  having 
identically  the  same  units  of  length  and  weight,  while  those  of  Germany  and  Austria 
wtre  nearly  the  same  and  called  by  the  same  names,  it  appeared  not  at  all  improbable 
that  in  unifying  their  local  diversities  the  latter  states  would  also  adopt  the  Anglo- 
Saxon  units.  Since  they  have,  however,  adopted  the  metric  units  and  made  their  use 
compulsory,  we  may  consider  the  changes  turned  in  favor  of  the  latter,  and  may  assume 
that  if  the  Government  of  the  United  States  would  promote  general  uniformity,  it  must 
do  so  by  furthering  its  actual  adoption  by  the  people  in  their  private  transactions. 

The  legalization  of  the  use  of  metric  units,  in  18Ct),  was  the  first  step  toward  that 
end.  The  next  should  be  the  enactment  of  laws  requiring  their  use  in  such  govern- 
ment transactions  as  will  not  sufier  by  the  sudden  change  of  the  habits  of  men. 
There,  perhaps,  legislation  must  stop  for  a  long  while,  until  by  zealous  inculcation, 
by  agitation,  by  instruction  in  all  public  schools,  the  new  system  shall  have  been 
voluntarily  adopted  by  a  great  majority  of  the  people,  when  the  enactment  of  an  ob- 
ligatory law  will  only  be  the  consunnuation  of  an  existing  state  of  facts. 

It  has  ever  been  tlie  i)ractice  of  the  Anglo-Saxon  people  to  make  laws  in  conformity 
with  customs,  not  to  create  customs  by  compulsory  laws. 

It  is  indeed  difficult  to  see  how  an  obligatory  statute  could  be  executed  in  this  coun- 
try. We  would  hardly  undertake  to  suppress'the  use  of  the  inch,  pound,  and  gallon 
by  penalties,  as  has  been  done  under  the  parentally  despotic  governments  of  Europe, 
where,  as  in  Prussia,  fine  and  imprisonment  followed  the  possession  of  the  old  stand- 
ards. It  may  even  be  considered  doubtful  whether  the  legal  mind  of  the  country 
would  approve  a  statute  decreeing  that  only  contracts  made  in  terms  of  the  new 
standards  conhl  be  enforced  by  the  courts,  since  it  would  violate  the  principle  that 
any  agreement  made  in  good  faith  can  be  maintained  at  law,  a  principle  far  more  im- 
portant than  conformity  in  weights  and  measures  with  other  nations.  In  attempting 
answer  to  the  last  question  proponn«led  by  the  Honse  resolution,  we  therefore  con- 
sider it  to  imply  :  How  long  is  it  likely  to  be  before  the  metric  system  will  come  into 
so  general  use  among  our  people  that  no  hardship  will  be  felt  from  making  it  oblig- 
atory ? 

If' left  to  itself  its  growth  would  be  very  slow,  and  the  period  necessary  might  be 
reasonably  estimated  at  not  less  than  fifty  years.  The  fixing  of  a  time  in  advance,  say 
the  year '1900,  would  rtiaterially  aid  its  growth,  and  an  active  propaganda  by  the 
friends  of  the  measure,  like  that  initiated  by  the  American  Metric  Bureau  of  Boston, 
would  greatly  accelerate  its  general  adoption.  In  view  of  the  very  marked  ett'ect  of 
the  endeavors  of  that  organization,  this  office  would  give  its  opinion  that  the  year 
1900  might  now  be  fixed  as  the  time  when  the  use  of  the  metric  nystem  should  become 
obligatory  throughout  the  United  States.  Should  our  anticipations  be  deceived  such  a 
statute  would  doubtless  be  repealed  before  the  time  had  arrived. 

The  difficnlticH  attending  th^  adoption  of  a  new  system  of  weights  and  measures  are 
far  greater  than  is  generally  thought.  The  matter  presents  itself  on  the  surface  as  a 
question  of  preference,  inv«)lving  little  more  than  the  mental  acquisition  of  certain 
terms  and  their  relative  values,  and  the  surrender  of  certain  acquired  habits.  A  cen- 
tury ago  this  wouM  have  been  a  fair  statement  of  the  case.  At  the  present  time  very 
large  pecuniary  interests  are  involved  in  any  change,  and  oppose  it.  The  work  of  the 
world  was  then  done  by  hand  with  simple  tools,  and  the  only  change  involved 
was  the  use  of  a  metric  rule  in  place  of  a  foot  rule.  Now  that  work  is  mainly  done 
by  machinery,  the  valne  of  which  depends  in  a  great  degree  ou  the  units  of  measure 
to  which  it  is  constrncted,  and  a  great  part  of  it  becomes  obsolete  when  those  units 
are  changed.  The  great  machine  shops  devoted  to  buihling  machine-tools  for  the 
constructi«>n  of  machinery  used  in  the  various  industries,  alone  represent  values  of 
many  millions  of  dollars,  and  much  of  their  present  "plant  "  would  have  to  be  thrown 
away  and  replaced  by  new,  in  order  to  adapt  their  products  to  metric  units. 

Assuming  that  there  were  the  heartiest  common  consent  to  use  metric  measures  in 
all  new  machinery,  how  difficult  and  long  would  be  the  transition  ?  The  new  things 
would  not  fit  in  the  old  places.  A  very  large  proportion  of  the  work  is  in  supplying 
worn  parts  ;  where,  then,  are  the  dimensionn  to  come  in  ?  The  immense  plant  of  rail- 
way motive-power  in  the  United  States  is  all  made  to  inches  and  decimals ;  at  what 

H.  Eep.  14 7 


98 


METRIC   SYSTEM. 


METSIC    SYSTEM. 


99 


time  can  a  railway  company  afford  to  change  the  dimensions  of  the  parts  of  a  loco- 
motive engine  ?  At  no  time,  it  wonld  answer,  becanse  the  change  would  require  to  be 
simnltaneons  in  the  whole  stock.  It  is  true  that  the  old  dimensions  might  be  adhered 
to,  but  called  by  metric  names,  putting  0.0*254  meter  or  25.4  millimeters  for  one  inch, 
but  this  would  only  be  an  evasion,  not  a  solution  of  the  problem. 

The  foregoing  considerations  have  been  forcibly  presented  in  a  communication  from 
our  government  to  other  nations,  printed  in  the  report  on  Foreign  Relations  for  1870, 
pp.  240-247,  in  connection  with  a  proposition  for  assimilating  international  coinage. 
In  that  paper  an  important  reference  is  made  to  the  terms  in  which  "real  estate"  is 
defined  in  this  country.    Not  only  are  lands  purchased  from  the  public  domain  de- 
scribed in  a  simple  decimal  system  of  acres  measured  by  square  chains  and  decimals,        , 
but  all  the  most  valuable  real  estate,  such  as  lots  and  streets  in  cities,  has  been  laid  off  ^ 
in  this  country  in  even  feet,  generally  even  tens  of  feet,  as  50, 60,  80,  100,  150,  &c.      \ 
"What  adequate  motive  is  there  to  change  these  expressions  into  terms  which  are  neces- 
sarily fractional,  and  in  which  those  foreign  nations  whose  convenience  it  is  proposed 
to  meet  have  no  conceivable  interest?    What  useful  purpose  is  subserved  by  designat- 
ing a  building  lot  24  by  120  feet  in  the  form  of  7.315  by  :«>.57(>  meters? 

It  is  the  foregoing  and  similar  considerations  which  lead  the  undersigned  to  doubt 
whether  the  international  units  of  measure  will  ever  wholly  take  the  place  of  all 
others  in  our  domestic  transactions. 

All  of  which  is  respectfully  submitted. 

J.  E.  HILGARD, 
AMsistant  United  States  Coast  Survey,  and 
Inspector  United  States  Standard  JFeights  and  Measures, 

C.  P.  Patterson, 

Superintendent  United  States  Coast  Survey. 


~( 


-( 


y 


^    V 


Beply  of  E.  B.  Elliott,  chief  clerk  Bureau  of  Statistics. 

Treasury  Department,  November  20, 1877. 

Sir  :  In  response  to  the  departmental  letter  of  the  10th  instant,  desiring  me  to  transmit 
to  the  department,  as  early  as  possible,  my  views  upon  the  several  questions  submitted 
in  an  accompanying  resolution  of  the  House  of  Representatives,  in  which  resolution 
the  heads  of  the  executive  departments  were  requested  to  report  to  the  House  what 
objections  there  are,  if  any,  to  making  the  metrical  sy.stem  of  weights  and  measures 
obligatory  in  all  governmental  transactions,  and  how  long  a  preliminary  notice  should 
be  given  before  such  obligatory  use  can  be  introduced  without  detriment  to  the  public 
service,  and  also  what  objections  there  are,  if  any,  to  making  the  metrical  system 
obligatory  in  all  transactions  between  individuals,  and  what  is  the  earliest  date  that 
can  be  set  for  the  obligatory  use  of  that  system  throughout  the  United  Stat-es,  I  have 
the  honor  to  state  that  it  seems  to  me  desirable  that  the  metric  system  of  weights  and 
measures  be  made  obligatory  in  certain  governmental  transactions,  chiefly  in  those  of 
an  iuternatioufil  character,  such  as  for  postal  purposes,  for  the  purposes  of  coinage,  and 
for  the  assessment  of  customs-duties. 

The  metric  system  for  such  governmental  purposes  may,  I  think,  go  into  operation 
without  detriment  to  the  i>ublic  service  with  the  fiscal  year  commencing  July  1, 1879. 

It  would  be  well  that  a  tariff  schedule  of  the  common  and  metric  equivalents  be 
prepared  prior  to  the  full  application  of  the  system  for  customs  purposes. 

I  do  not  consider  it  advisable  to  make  the  use  of  the  metric  system  immediately 
obligatory  in  transactions  pertaining  to  the  transfer  of  lands,  to  the  collection  of  inter- 
nal-revenue dues,  or  to  the  internal  transactions  of  the  government  generally,  the 
changes  involved  thereby  being  so  numerous  and  seemingly  difficult,  as  possibly  to 
elicit  strong  protest  from  many  persons  engaged  in  the  active  pursuits  of  life  with 
whom  the  government  would  have  business  transactions,  and  whose  immediate  inter- 
ests might  for  a  time  be  unfavorably  affected.  Nor  do  I  think  it  advisable  to  make 
the  metric  system  obligatory  in  the  near  future  in  transactions  between  individuals  in 
the  business  of  private  life.  Its  use  is  now,  by  law,  permissive  between  individuals. 
It  may,  however,  be  advisable  to  render  the  use  of  the  system  obligatory  upon  the 
more  extended  lines  of  rail  and  water  communications  of  the  country  in  their  opera- 
tions in  regard  to  freight. 

It  seems  to  me  advisable  that  the  rendering  the  use  of  the  metric  system  obligatory 
for  local  and  domestic  purposes  be  left,  for  the  present  at  least,  for  the  action  of  State 
Legislatures. 

I  append  tables  A  and  B,  showing  equivalents  of  the  units  of  the  metric  and  the  or- 
dinary systems  applicable  for  customs  purposes. 

I  also  append  to  this  communication  a  copy  of  the  second  and  third  reports,  and  an 
extract  from  the  fifth  report,  of  the  British  standards  commission — the  astronomer 
royal,  George  B.  Airy,  chairman.     (See  Appendices  C,  D,  and  E.) 

The  second  of  these  reports  bears  more  particularly  on  the  introduction  into  the 
country  of  the  metric  system  of  weights  and  measures,  and  resulted  in  several  prac- 
tical recommendations  •■'  having  for  their  object  the  permissive  use  of  the  metric  sys- 
tem in  the  United  Kingdom,  more  especially  for  international  purposes." 

The  third  report  recommends  the  abolition  of  the  troy  weight,  and  that  the  impe- 
rial (avoirdupois)  and  the  metric  weights  be  alone  authorized  to  be  used.  The  per- 
missive use  of  the  metric  system  of  weights  and  measures  has  been  for  several  years 
legalized  in  Great  Britain. 

The  difficulties,  if  any,  which  may  be  apprehended  in  the  substitution  of  the  thor- 
ougbl.v  correlated  metric  system  in  the  international  transactions  of  the  government 
seem  to  me  more  imaginary  than  real,  while  the  advantages  to  be  derived  from  the 
introduction  for  such  international  purposes  of  a  system  which  has  no  rival  in  respect 
to  simplicity  cannot  be  successfully  questioned. 
Respectfully, 

E.  B.  ELLIOTT. 

Hon.  John  Sherman, 

Secretary  of  the  Treasury. 


y 


< 


V 


100 


METRIC    SYSTEM. 


A.—Tahle  f&r  convening  certain  rates  of  duty  expressed  according  to  units  of  the  ordinary 
system  of  weights  and  measures  into  their  metric  equivalents. 

70  per  decimeter. 

09  per  meter. 

36  per  meter. 

50  per  square  centimeter. 

764  per  square  decimeter. 

60  per  square  meter. 

1025  per  cubic  centimeter. 

531  per  cub'c  decimeter. 

898  per  cubic  meter. 

134  per  deciliter. 

336  per  liter. 

417  per  liter. 

417  per  proof-liter. 

8  per  liter. 

875  per  hectoliter. 

0  per  quintal  (100  kilos). 

7  per  quintal. 

6  per  quintal. 

2  per  gram. 

12  per  decagram. 

27  per  decagram. 

02  per  kilogram. 

46  per  kilogram. 

84  per  quintal. 

46  per  quintal. 

23  per  millier  or  metric  ton. 

42  per  millier  or  metric  ton. 

42  per  millier  or  metric  ton, 
or  1,000  kilograms. 


$1  per  inch =^$3. 93 

Iperfoot =  3.28 

1  per  yard =  ^'^ 

1  per  square  inch. ......  .--- =  0. 15 

1  per  square  foot =:0. 10 

1  per  square  yard —  1-19 

1  per  cubic  inch =  0.06 

1  per  cubic  foot =  O.OZ 

1  per  cubic  yard =  ^-'^^ 

1  per  fluid-ounce =  3. 38 

1  per  pint =  2.11 

1  per  gallon =  0. 2b 

1  per  proof-gallon =  0. 26 

1  per  quart  (dry  measure) =0.90 

1  per  bushel  (dry  measure) =  2. 41 

1  per  bushel  (32"lb8.  avoirdupois) =  6. 89 

1  per  bushel  (56  lbs.  avoirdupois) =3.93 

1  per  bushel  (80  lbs.  avoirdupois) =  2. 75 

1  per  grain =15. 43 

1  per  ounce  troy  (480  grains) =  0. 32 

1  per  ounce  avoirdupois  (437.5  grains).  ...  ^  0.  :?5 

1  per  pound  troy  (5,760  grains) =  2. 67 

1  per  pound  avoirdupois  (7,000  grains) =  2. 20 

1  per hundred-weight(H21b8.  avoirdupois)  =  1.96 

1  per  cental  (100  lbs.  avoirdupois) =  2. 20 

1  per  ton  of  2,000  lbs.  avoirdupois =  1. 10 

1  per  ton  of  2,240  lbs.  avoirdupois =0.98 

1  per  ton  of  28  bushels  of  80  lbs.  avoirdupois  =  0. 98 


-i 


m 


EXAMPLES,  ILLUSTRATI^TE. 

Alcohol :  $2  per  proof-gallon  (or  53  cents  per  proof  liter). 

Ale,  beer,  and  porter,  in  bottles :  35  cents  per  gallon  (or  ^^  cents  per  liter). 

Acetate  of  ammonia:  25  cents  per  pound  (or  55  cents  per  kilogram). 

Candles,  tallow :  2^  cents  per  pound  for  5^  cents  per  kilogram). 

Carpets,  Brnssels  :  44  cents  per  square  yard  (or  ^2^  cents  per  square  meter),  and 
35  per  centum  ad  valorem.  .     «/> 

Hats,  of  wool,  not  exceeding  40  cents  per  pound  (or  88  cents  per  kilogram) :  20 
cents  per  pound  (or  44  cents  per  kilogram),  and  :i5  per  centum  ad  valorem, 
above  40  cents  per  pound  (or  88  cents  per  kilogram),  and  not  exceeding  60  cents 
per  pound  (or  $1.32  per  kilogram):  30  cents  per  pound  (or  66  cents  per  kilo- 
gram), and  35  per  centum  ad  valorem. 

Pig-iron :  $7  per  ton  (or  ^Q.iiS  per  metric  ton  or  millier). 


-i 


<\> 


METRIC    SYSTEM. 


101 


B.— Table  of  existing  rates  of  duty  on  glass,  expressed  in  metric  units. 


V 


Contents  in  square  decimeters. 

Descriptions  of  glass  and  rates  of  duty. 

Greatest  dimensions  in  square  decime- 
ters. 

Fluted,  rolled,  or  rough 
plate,  per  square  de- 
cimeter. 

Unpolished  cylinder 
crown,    and'  common 
window,  per  kilogram. 

Polished   cylinder    and 
crown,  per  square  de- 
cimeter. 

Cast  polished  plates,  nn- 
silvered,  per    square 
decimeter. 

Silvered      looking-glass 
l>lates,  per  square  deci- 
meter. 

1 

2 

3 

4 

5 

6 

7 

2.540  (10  inches)  by  3.810  (15  inches) 

4.064  (16  inches)  b'y  6.096  (24  inche.s) 

6.096  (24  inches)  by  7.620  (30  inches) 

All  over 

6.096  (24 inches)  by  15.240  (60  inches).... 
All  nvp.r                                           _-    -  . ._ 

9.678 

24.  774 

46.  452 

All  over. 

92. 903 

MiUs. 

All  over 
2 

Cents. 
3 
4 
5 
6 

Mills. 

f 

6 

Mills. 
3 
5 

8 

MiUs. 
4 
« 
10 

20 
40 

25 
50 

35 

60 

To  the  foregoing  rates  of  duty  add,  in  column  4,  om-tenth,  and  in  columns  3,  5,  6,  and  7,  three 
fortieths,  of  .such  rate.s. 

N.  B.— All  fluted,  rolled,  or  rough  plate-glass  weighing  over  100  pounds  per  square  foot  (or  4.9  kilo- 
grams per  s<iuare  decimeter),  must  pay  an  additional  duty  on  the  excess  at  the  same  rates  as  above, 
and  on  looking-gla.ss  plates  or  plate-glass  silvered,  when  framed,  there  is  a  duty  of  30  per  cent,  ad 
valorem  on  the  frames  in  addition  to  the  above  rates. 


C. — Standard  commission . 


SECOND  REPORT. 


To  the  Queen's  Most  Excellent  Majesty : 

May  it  please  Your  Majesty :  We,  the  commissioners  appointed  under  Your  Majesty's 
royal  warrant  dated  the  4th\lay  of  May,  1868,  for  imjuiry  into  the  condition  of  the 
exchequer  standards  (now  called  the  board  of  trade  standards  or  the  oflicial  standards) 
of  length  and  weight,  and  for  other  purposes  therein  set  forth,  acting  under  the  direc- 
tions to  us  contained  in  the  said  warrant,  to  report  to  Your  Majesty  from  time  to  time 
the  result  of  our  inquiries,  humbly  otter  to  Your  Majesty  our  second  report. 

1.  In  closing  their  tirst  report,  submitted  to  Your  Majesty  under  date  of  24th  July, 
1868,  the  commission  adverted  to  the  metric  system,  and  especially  to  the  probable 
eflFect  of  attempting  to  introduce  it  into  this  country.  This  subject  appearetl  to  enter 
legitimately  into  their  consideration,  inasmuch  as  the  introduction  of  a  new  system 
would  imply  addition  to  the  existing  board  of  trade  standards,  to  which  (among  other 
things)  the  inquiries  of  the  coumiission  are  by  Your  Majesty's  royal  warrant  specially 
directed,  and  the  commission  expressed  their  sense  of  the  great  importance  of  the 
question,  and  undertook  to  give  to  it  their  early  and  careful  attention. 

2.  In  their  desire  to  redeem  this  i>ledge  the  commission  have  thought  it  advanta- 
geous to  confine  themselves  in  this  their  second  report  to  the  questions  connected  with 
the  metric  system,  deferring  to  a  later  report  all  allusion  to  the  various  points  con- 
nected with' the  proceedings  of  the  standards  office,  and  with  the  British  law  and  its 
administration  relating  to  the  imperial  system  of  weights  and  measures. 

3.  It  appears  to  the  commission  that  the  reasons  which  may  be  urged  for  or  against 
the  introduction  of  a  new  system  will  naturally  arrange  theinselves  under  two  heads, 
namely,  those  which  relate  to  tiio  internal  commercial  transactions  of  the  country,  and 
those  which  relate  to  transactions  with  other  countries.  It  is  proposed  here  to  con- 
sider the  subject  in  that  order. 

4.  With  reference  to  the  question  as  bearing  upon  internal  commerce,  the  commis- 
sion have  thought  it  desirable  to  examine  into  the  reasons  assigne«l  for  changes  of 
system  in  other  countries^  and,  if  possible,  to  ascertain  the  results  of  their  experience; 
and  to  inquire  whether  similar  reasons  ai>ply,  and  what  may  be  anticipated  as  the 
effect  of  change  in  this  country. 


102 


i\\ 


METRIC   SYSTEM. 


5.  As  regards  the  first  of  tliese  trains  of  inquiry,  the  commission  have  derived  most 
valuable  information  from  ofticial  papers  of  other  countries,  transmitted  either  directly 
or  through  the  board  of  trade  to  the  warden  of  the  standards,  and  bj'^  him  communi- 
cated to  the  commission.  The  information  thus  laid  before  them  is  appended  to  the 
report.  Among  these  documents  the  most  important  are  those  of  France,  the  United 
States  of  North  America,  North  Germany,  Switzerland,  and  India.  As  regards  the 
second  inquiry,  the  commission  have  had  before  them  the  evidence  collected  by  pre- 
ceding standards  commissions,  and  especially  that  which  was  heard  by  a  committee 
of  the  House  of  Commons  in  the  year  1862 ;  they  have  also  had  the  results  of  their 
own  personal  experience,  both  in  matters  of  science  and  in  transactions  of  daily  life. 

6.  The  commission  remark  that  in  the  statements  introductory  to  the  proposals  for 
new  systems  in  France,  North  Germany,  and  India,  very  great  stress  is  laid  upon  the 
discordance  in  the  fundamental  units  of  their  customary  weights  and  measures,  as 
adopted  in  difi'ereut  districts  of  the  same  empire.  These  reasons  have  no  force  in  Great 
Britain  and  Ireland,  throughout  which,  whatever  diiference  may  prevail  as  to  the 
multiples  in  local  use,  the  fundamental  units,  namely, the  yard,  the  pound, the  gallon, 
are  strictly  the  same — based  upon  national  standards  which  are  constructed  with  the 
utmost  skill  and  care,  and  supported  by  a  system  of  inspection  which,  though  charge- 
able with  imperfections  (to  which  the  commission  at  present  advert  no  further),  is,  on 
the  whole,  efificieut.  The  commission  also  remark  that,  in  the  introduction  of  the  new 
system  into  Switzerland,  it  appears  to  have  been  rather  the  object  of  the  proposers  to 
define  accurately  the  relation  of  their  standard  to  the  French  standard  than  to  adopt 
the  metric  system  ;  thus  the  Swiss  foot  is  defined  to  be  three-tenths  of  the  meters;  (hjc), 
a  proportion  which  seems  to  be  irreconcilable  with  the  practical  adoption  of  a  decimal 
scale. 

7.  On  the  results  of  the  introduction  of  the  metric  system,  as  matter  of  experience, 
it  is  difficult  to  give  a  certain  statement.  The  great  mass  of  people  in  France  undoubt- 
edly adopt  it,  both  in  the  names  and  in  the  values  of  the  weights,  measures,  ani  coins; 
although  such  names  as  the  livre  and  the  hou,  for  the  half  kilogram,  and  the  piece  of 
five  centimes,  are  still  in  common  use.  In  Holland  and  other  neighboring  countries 
the  metric  system,  though  very  generally  adopted,  is,  it  is  believed,  still  less  perfectly 
introduced. 

8.  In  the  United  Kingdom,  so  far  as  can  be  conjectured,  the  existing  imperial  system 
has,  in  its  main  features,  grown  up  spontaneously  among  the  people,  and  the  action  of 
the  legislature  has  been  limited  to  such  practical  measures  as  the  following:  the  giv- 
ing certainty  and  precision  to  the  fundamental  standards;  the  establishment  of  acca- 
late  and  more  simple  relations  among  systems  which  at  first  probably  had  no  connec- 
tion (as  those  of  the  stone  and  the  pound),  and,  in  some  instances,  the  abolition  of 
measures,  &c.,  which,  while  bearing  the  same  name,  had  slightly  different  values  (as 
the  various  gallons).  If  this  conjecture  be  correct,  it  tends  to  prove  that  the  existing 
system  meets  the  popular  wants,  and  that  it  will  not  easily  be  expelled  from  popular 
use. 

9.  There  is  good  reason  to  believe  that  in  large  factories  a  decimal  division  is  fre- 
quently convenient,  and  in  many  cases,  for  commercial  reasons,  the  most  convenient 
base  for  that  division  is  the  metric.  The  owners  of  those  factories  can,  however, 
arrange  such  matters,  to  a  great  extent,  without  legislative  assistance.  Bat  for  sales 
in  shops,  which  specially  require  the  care  of  the  legislature,  and  for  ordinary  work, 
other  considerations  apply.  Different  bases  must  be  adopted ;  for  instance,  the  yard 
is  a  very  convenient  length  for  drapers'  measure,  but  the  foot  is  far  more  convenient 
for  carpenters'  measure.  It  has  been  remarked  that  the  last  or  coomb,  the  bushel,  and 
the  peck  are  well  suited  for  men's  backs,  arms,  and  hands.  The  natural  inclination  of  the 
mind  to  halve  and  quarter  continnally  exhibits  itself  in  the  subdivision  of  almost  every 
base;  thus  in  avoirdupois  weights  and  in  measures  of  capacity  the  progressive  halving 
of  the  pound  and  bushel,  and  their  lower  denominations,  is  continued  nine  times,  and 
the  binary  subdivision  extends  to  ^{j-  The  metric  system  does  not  offer  the  same 
facility  either  for  change  of  the  adopted  base  or  for  the  continued  binary  subdivision; 
and  any  attempt  to  force  it  into  use  in  shops,  and  into  workmen's  operations  and  their 
accounts,  would  probably  be  felt  as  a  needless  grievance. 

10.  The  commission  are  obliged  to  remark  here  that  the  evidence  as  to  the  feeling  of 
the  great  class  of  vendors  in  sbops  and  ordinary  tradesmen  is  rather  of  an  inferential 
than  of  a  positive  character.  Among  the  witnesses  examined  by  the  committee  of  the 
House  of  Commons  which  sat  in  1862,  there  is  not  one  shopkeeper,  and  scarcely  one 
person  of  the  lower  working  class.  The  evidence  collected  by  the  preceding  stand- 
ards commissions  cannot  fairly  be  cited  now,  as  the  question  of  introducing  the  metric 
system  into  this  kingdom  had  then  hardly  been  raised.  But  the  commission  cannot 
omit  to  call  attention  to  the  distinct  though  negative  fact  that  not  a  single  movement 
has  been  made  on  the  part  of  shopkeepers  or  workmen  for  procuring  a  change,  and 
not  a  single  complaint  has  been  made  by  them  of  the  existing  legal  system  of  imperial 
weights  and  measures. 

11.  It  is  obvious  that  in  this  country,  where  the  people  are  more  accustomed  to  self- 


^    > 


-i\y 


^l>- 


^   V 


i\y 


■/ 


y 


METRIC    SYSTEM. 


103 


government  than  in  other  European  countries,  the  executive  has  far  less  power  of 
compelling  obedience  to  the  law  in  all  the  small  transactions  of  trade  against  the 
wishes  of  the  public.  Should  an  attempt  be  made  at  the  present  time  to  introduce  the 
metric  system  by  legal  compulsion,  the  commission  regard  it  as  certain  that  very  great 
confusion  would  be  produced,  and  they  think  it  highly  probable  that  the  attempt 
would  be  met  by  such  an  amount  of  resistance,  active  and  passive,  that  it  would  totally 
fail. 

12.  At  the  same  time  the  commission  remark  that  the  want  of  weights  and  measures 
on  a  decimal  scale  generally,  or  on  the  metric  scale  specifically,  is  not  unfrequently 
felt  by  the  manufacturing  and  trading  classes,  and  more  especially  by  men  of  science 
and  by  chemists  and  engineers  of  the  highest  class;  and  that  it  appears  scarcely  pos- 
sible to  satisfy  this  want,  and  to  place  the  metric  system  on  the  footing  which  it  seems 
justly  to  claim,  except  by  the  legal  establishment  of  metric  standards  and  of  inspect- 
ors' standards  (where  required),  and  by  the  legal  sanction  of  the  use  of  metric  weights 
and  measures  in  shops  and  in  offices  of  conveyance.  But  such  permission,  unless  very 
carefully  guarded,  would  lead  to  the  most  intolerable  and  enduring  confusion,  and  the 
commission  expressly  state  their  opiuiim  that  any  enactment  giving  permission  to  use 
metric  weights  and  'measures  for  public  sales  and  conveyance  must  be  accompanied 
with  such  provisions  for  their  form  or  other  characteristics  as  will  make  it  impossible  to 
mistake  them  for  weights  and  measures  of  the  existing  imperial  system.  With  very 
careful  attention  to  tliese  provisions,  the  commission  see  no  objection  to  the  permis- 
sive introduction  of  weights  and  measures  on  the  metric  system  into  shops  and  offices 
of  conveyance,  provision  being  also  made  for  inspectors'  standards  and  powers  of  in- 
spection where  required. 

i:^.  With  the  view  of  further  lessening  any  confusion  that  might  be  occasioned  by 
the  addition  of  a  new  series  of  weights  to  those  now  existing  of  the  avoirdupois  and 
troy  scales,  the  commission  have  had  under  their  consideration  the  question  of  the  dis- 
continuance of  troy  weight.  They  refer  to  the  opinions  expressed  by  the  standards 
commissions  of  1841  and  1854,  in  favor  of  the  simplification  of  the  British  system  of 
weights  by  the  abolition  of  the  troy  scale.  Apothecaries'  weight,  based  on  troy  weight, 
has  since  been  legally  discontinued  under  the  authority  of  the  medical  act,  1858,  and. 
avoirdupois  weiglits  have  been  substituted  in  the  dispensing  of  medicines.  Much  of 
the  difficulty  of  the  discontinuance  of  troy  weight  is  thus  removed,  its  use  being  now- 
limited  to  manufacturers  of  and  dealers  in  gold  and  silver  wares  and  bullion.  Still 
these  form  a  numerous  class,  and  the  commission  feel  that  they  cannot  make  any  defi- 
nite recommendation  for  abolishing  troy  weight  without  having  first  inquired  exten- 
sively into  the  practice  and  feelings  of  persons  who  now  use  that  system.  The  assay 
of  the  precious  metals,  the  ascertaining  the  standard  of  gold  and  silver,  the  operations 
of  coinage,  and  the  levying  the  duty  on  gold  and  silver  x^late,  all  are  now  biised  by 
statute  on  troy  weight ;  and  in  the  event  of  its  abolition,  it  will  become  necessary  to 
make  further  provision  by  law  for  the  weights  to  be  used  for  these  purposes.  It  may 
also  be  a  matter  deserving  consideration  how  far  it  may  be  expedient  to  substitute 
metric  weights.  The  commission  will  give  their  careful  attention  to  these  points,  and 
the  results  of  their  labors  must  be  deferred  to  a  future  report. 

14.  Passing  now  to  the  consideration  of  our  transactions  with  foreign  countries,  the 
commission  express  their  full  belief  that  the  foreign  commerce  of  this  country,  espe- 
cially with  France  and  with  other  countries  which  have  introduced  or  proposed  to  in- 
troduce the  metric  system,  has  in  late  years  increased  much  more  rapidly  than  the 
home  trade,  though  in  what  proportion  it  is  difficult  to  ascertain.  But,  great  as  that 
foreign  commerce  undoubtedly  has  become,  it  is  small  in  comparison  with  the  home 
trade.  From  the  report  of  the  Postmaster-General  in  the  year  1864,  it  appears  that 
the  number  of  foreign  letters  ^requiring  apparently  to  be  doubled  for  proper  compari- 
son of  the  number  of  transactions)  was  about  one-fiftieth  of  the  number  of  home  let- 
ters. If  we  refer  to  the  accessible  returns  relating  to  money  transactions,  the  amouut 
of  stamp-duty  levied  on  foreign  bill  stamps,  about  £:J50,000  annually,  implies  foreign 
transactions  to  the  amount  of  £600,000,000 ;  while  the  amount  of  checks  and  bills 
passed  at  the  London  Clearing  House  (in  which  many  of  the  London  bankers  take  no 
part)  is  about  £3,300,000,000,  and  the  transactions  in  the  manufacturing  districts  and 
the  interior  of  the  country  generally  multiply  this  in  an  unknown  ratio.  Still,  the  ex- 
istence of  this  large  ft)reign  trade  is  an  argument  for  the  permissive  adoption  of  the 
system  which  agrees  with  that  of  so  many  of  our  foreign-trade  correspondents;  and 
great  advantage  will  evidently  be  introduced,  unaccompanied  (so  far  as  can  be  re- 
marked) with  any  bad  effects,  by  giving  the  ordinary  statistical  publications  relat- 
ing to  foreign  trade,  and  in  some  instances  to  home  trade  also,  on  the  metric  as  well 
as  on  the  imperial  system. 

15.  As  bearing  upon  all  parts  of  this  inquiry,  the  commission  think  it  their  duty  to  call 
attention  to  the  advantage  of  establishing  in  this  country  a  decimal  system  of  coinage. 
The  decimal  division  gives  the  greatest  facilities  for  the  gradation  of  prices,  and  for  the 
great  number  of  additions,  multiplications,  and  divisions  continually  presenting  them- 
selves in  money  affjiirs,  but  more  rarely  occurring  in  the  combination  of  the  several  de- 


104 


METRIC    SYSTEM. 


METRIC    SYSTEM. 


105 


nominations  of  weights  and  measures,  and  the  commission  think  it  probable  that  ex- 
tensive familiarity  with  decimal  coinage  would  materially  tend  to  facilitate  the  intro- 
duction of  a  decimal  scale  of  weights  and  measures  where  it  can  be  useful.  The  com- 
mission do  not  disguise  their  apprehension  that  a  change  of  coinage  would  produce  for 
a  time  some  confusion.  At  the  same  time  they  observe  tliat  it  is  absolutely  in  the 
power  of  the  government  to  effect  the  change  without  any  risk  that  the  resistance 
which  might  be  made  by  those  who  preferred  the  old  system  could  ultimately  prevail 
against  it. 

16.  Guided  by  the  preceding  considerations,  the  commission  have  unanimously  agreed 
Dpon  the  following  resolutions  : 

(1.)  Considering  the  information  which  has  been  laid  before  the  commission  :  of  the 
great  increase  during  late  years  of  international  communications,  especially  in  relation 
to  trade  and  commerce  ;  of  the  general  adoption  of  the  metric  system  of  weights  and 
measures  m  many  countrie.^',  both  in  Europe  and  other  parts  of  the  world,  and  more 
recently  in  the  North  German  Confederation  and  in  the  United  States  of  America  ;  of 
the  progress  of  public  opinion  in  this  country  in  favor  of  the  metric  system  as  a  uni- 
form international  sj'stem  of  weights  and  measures  ;  and  of  the  increasing  use  of  the 
metric  system  in  scientific  researches,  and  in  the  practice  of  accurate  chemistry  and 
engineering  construction,  we  are  of  opinion  that  the  time  has  now  arrived  when  the 
law  should  provide,  and  facilities  be  afforded  by  the  government,  for  the  introduction 
and  use  of  metric  weights  and  measures  in  the  United  Kingdom. 

That  for  this  object  metric  standards,  accurately  verified  in  relation  to  the  primary 
metric  standards  at  Paris,  and  deposited  in  the  standards  department  of  the  board  of 
trade,  should  be  legalized ;  and  that  verified  copies  of  the  official  metric  standards 
should  be  provided  by  the  local  authorities  for  inspectors  of  such  districts  as  mav  re- 
quire them. 

(2.)  Considering  the  advantages  of  adopting  in  an  international  system  not  only  of 
uniform  weights  and  measures,  but  also  uniform  names,  and  that  although  there  may 
be  well-founded  objections  to  the  inconvenient  length  and  occasional  similarity,  both 
to  the  eye  and  ear,  of  the  French  nomenclature,  yet  it  is  probable  that  these  names  will 
become  familiar  by  custom,  and  obtain  popular  abbreviations. 

We  think  that  the  French  nomenclature,  as  well  as  decimal  scale  of  the  metric  sys- 
tem, should  be  introduced  in  this  country. 

(3.)  Considering  that  there  is  no  immediate  canse  requiring  a  general  change  in  the 
existing  system  of  legal  weights  and  measures  of  the  country  for  the  purposes  of  in- 
ternal trade ;  that  the  statutable  values  of  the  fundamental  imperial  units  are  adopted 
in  nse  without  the  slightest  variation  throughout  the  whole  of  the  British  Isles;  that 
the  primary  imperial  standards  are  as  perfect  as  can  be  made  by  modern  skill  and 
science,  and  that  the  whole  series  of  othcial  standaids  are  now  most  accurately  veri- 
fied in  relation  to  the  primary  standards :  that  a  very  large  number  of  copies  of  the 
official  imperial  standards,  accurately  verified,  aro  now  in  use  by  the  local  inspectors 
of  weights  and  measures;  that  it  is  estimate<l  there  are  nearly  thirty  millions  of  ordi- 
nary weights  and  measures  of  the  existing  imperial  system  now  in  common  use ;  that 
at  the  present  time  there  is  no  evidence  to  show  that  any  considerable  portion  of 
traders  and  their  customers  in  this  country  are  dissatisfied  with  the  imperial  system 
now  in  use,  or  that  they  desire  to  substitute  the  metric  system  for  it,  we  are  of' opin- 
ion that  the  general  introduction  of  the  metric  system  should  ho  porinissive,  only,  and 
not  made  compulsory  by  law  after  any  period  to'  be  now  specified,  so  far  as  relates  to 
the  use  of  metric  weights  and  measures  for  weighing  and  measuring  goods  for  sale  or 
conveyance. 

(4.)  Considering  that  during  the  concurrent  use  of  the  metric  and  imperial  systems 
it  will  be  expedient  to  prevent  as  far  as  possible  imperial  and  metric  weights  and  meas- 
ures from  being  accidentally  or  fraudulently  substituted  tor  each  other,  we  are  of  opin- 
ion that  authoritative  regulations  should  be  established,  under  which  each  series  may 
be  readily  aqd  easily  distinguished,  by  the  adoptioii  of  conspicuous  distinctive  forms 
or  marks  for  the  several  weights  and  measures,  and  by  such  mode  as  may  be  deter- 
mined D])on  after  due  inquiry. 

(5.)  We  are  of  opini<m  that  it  is  expedient  that  customs  duties  sliould  be  allowed 
to  be  levied  by  metric  weight  and  measure,  as  well  as  by  imperial  weight  and  meas- 
ure; that  the  use  of  the  metric  system  concurrently  with  the  imperial  system  should 
be  adopted  by  other  public  departments,  especially  the  post  ofiice,  and  in' the  publica- 
tion ot  the  principal  results  of  the  statisti(!s  of  the  board  of  tra<le,  as  well  as  for  the 
admeasurement  and  registration  of  the  tonnage  of  shipping. 

(6.)  And  that  mural  standanls  of  the  metric  system,  as  well  as  of  the  imperial  sys- 
tem, be  exhibited  in  public  places. 

(7.)  Considering  that  the  metric  system,  as  adopted  in  other  countries,  includes  the 
relation  of  coinage  to  weights  and  measures,  particularly  in  its  uniform  decimal  scale 
and  that  the  advantages  of  the  intro<luction  or  the  metric  system  into  this  country  as 
an  international  system  of  weights  and  measures  would  be  much  increased  by  estab- 
lishing a  corresponding  international  system  of  coinage,  in  regard  to  a  unit  and  to  a  deci- 


-i\y 


mal  scale,  we  are  of  opinion  that,  even  if  the  difficulty  of  establishing  an  international 
unit  of  coinage  cannot  be  at  present  overcome,  yet  the  decimalization  of  our  system  of 
coinage,  which  is  in  the  power  of  the  government,  would  be  very  useful  to  the  public. 
(8.)  Considering  the  great  national  importance  of  the  question  of  the  introduction 
of  the  metric  system  of  weights  and  measures  into  this  country,  it  appears  to  us  essen- 
tial that  any  measure  for  this  object  should  be  proposed  to  Parliament  by  the  execu- 
tive government. 

(9.)  Considering  that  the  commission  will  very  shortly  enter  upon  the  questions  re- 
ferred to  them  relating  to  the  system  of  local  inspection  of  weights  and  measures 
throughout  the  United  Kingdom,  we  are  of  opinion  that  it  is  expedient  that  no  legis- 
lation should  take  place  with  respect  to  the  metric  system  until  the  whole  subject  of 
the  weights  and  measures  of  this  kingdom  be  brought  before  Parliament  in  one  bill. 
All  which  we  humbly  submit  to  Your  Majesty. 

G.  B.  AIRY,  Chairman, 
COLCHESTER. 
STEPHEN  CAVE. 

JOHN  GEORGE  SHAW  LEFEVRE. 
EDWARD  SABINE. 
THOMAS  GRAHAM. 
W.  H.  MILLER. 
H.  W.  CHISHOLM. 
7  Old  Palace  Yard, 

April  3,  1869. 


■^1  y 


Y    V 


■<\y 


D. — Standards  commission. 

THIRD   REPORT. 

The  Qneen^s  Most  ExceJlcnt  Majestij : 

We,  the  commissioners  acting  under  Your  Majesty's  royal  warrant  dated  4th  May,* 
1868,  for  inquiry  into  the  condition  of  the  exchequer  standards  (now  called  the  board 
of  trade  standards  or  the  official  standards)  of  length  and  weight,  and  for  other  pur- 
poses therein  set  forth,  in  pursuance  of  Your  Majesty's  commands  to  report  to  Your 
Majesty  from  time  to  time  our  several  proceedings  by  virtue  of  the  said  commission, 
humbly  offer  to  Your  Majesty  our  third  report. 

1.  Among  the  duties  intrusted  to  us  by  Your  Majesty,  we  have  been  directed  to  in- 
quire and  to  report  whether  any  and  what  additions  to  the  existing  board  of  trade 
standards  are  now  required,  and  if  any  and  what  existing  standards  should  be  discon- 
tinued and  cease  to  be  secondary  standards.  In  our  second  report,  dated  3d  April, 
1869  (S.  13),  we  submitted  to  Your  Majesty  that  we  had  under  consideration  the  ques- 
tion of  the  discontinuance  of  troy  weight,  and  how  far  it  may  be  expedient  to  substi- 
tute metric  weights;  and  that  after  we  should  have  inquired  extensively  into  the 
practice  and  feelings  of  persons  who  now  use  the  troy  system,  we  proposed  to  state 
the  result  of  our  labors  in  a  future  report. 

2.  In  the  papers  appended  to  this  report  will  be  found  all  the  information  accord- 
ingly laid  before  us  upon  the  subject,  including  the  evidence  of  several  witnesses 
selected  by  us  as  fairly  representing  the  classes  of  persons  whose  interests  were  deemed 
to  be  involved  in  the  continuance  or  abolition  of  troy  weight. 

3.  After  mature  consideration  we  have  come  unhesitatingly  to  the  conclusion  that 
it  will  be  for  the  public  advantage  to  simplify  the  imperial  system  of  weights  by  leg- 
islative provisions  for  the  abolition  of  troy  weight. 

4.  There  appears  to  be  no  trustworthy  record  of  the  origin  of  the  troy  system,  the 
abolition  of  which  is  now  recommended.  The  troy  pound  is  said  to  have  been  derived 
from  the  Roman  weight  of  5759.2  grains,  the  l'25th  part  of  the  large  Alexandrian  tal- 
ent; this  weight,  like  the  troy  pound,  having  been  divided  by  the  Romans  into  twelve 
ounces.    The  earliest  statute  of  this  kingdom  in  which  troy  weight  is  named  is  the  2 

/  I  \  Henry  V,  st.  2,  c.  4,  for  preventing  an  excessive  charge  for  gilding  silver  wares,  in 
^\  I  /  which  it  is  enacted  that  all  the  goldsmiths  of  England  shall  gild  no  silver  worse  than 
\  ■  /  *V^*  ®^  ^^^^  ^^^*^y  of  the  English  sterling,  and  that  they  shall  take  for  a  pound  of  troy 
gilt  ("y>//>-  /((  Uhte  dv  troy  orre^')  but  4C>.<<.  fid.  at  most.  But  troy  weight  is  universally 
allowed  to  have  been  in  general  use  from  the  time  of  King  Edward  I.  The  most  an- 
cient system  of  weights  in  this  kingdom  was  that  of  the  Moneyer's  pound,  or  the 
money  pound  of  the  Anglo-Saxons,  which  was  continued  in  use  for  soiue  centuries 
after  the  conquest,  being  then  known  as  the  tower  pound,  or  sometimes  the  gold- 
smith's pound.  It  contained  twelve  ounces  of  4.")0  grains  each,  or  5,400  grains,  and  this 
weight  of  silver  coins  was  a  pound  sterling.  The  tower  pound  was  abolished  in  1527 
by  a  statute  of  Henry  VIII,  which  first  established  troy  weight  as  the  only  legal 
weight  for  gold  and  silver.    This  statute  was  as  follows  :' "  And  whereas,  heretofolre, 


106 


METRIC   SYSTEM. 


METRIC    SYSTEM. 


107 


the  Merchante  paid  for  coynage  of  every  Pounde  Towre  of  fyue  gold,  weighing  XI  oz. 
quarter  Troye  ii«.  vid.:  Nowe  it  is  determined  by  the  Kiug's  Highness  and  his  Coun- 
cille  that  the  aforesaid  Pound  Towre  shall  be  no  more  used  and  occupied,  bnt  al  maner 
of  golde  and  sylver  shall  be  waved  by  the  Pounde  Troye,  which  uiaketh  xii  oz.  Troye, 
which  exceedeth  the  Ponnde  Towre  in  weight  iii  quarters  of  the  oz."  From  this  time 
to  the  present  our  system  of  coinage  has  been  based  on  troy  weight. 

5.  The  reasons  uj>on  which  we  have  come  to  the  determination  that  troy  weights 
should  now  be  abolished  by  law  and  other  weights  substituted  will  be  found  in  the 
following  resolutions,  which  have  been  unanimously  i)assed  by  us  : 

(1.)  Considering — 

That  in  the  report  of  the  standard  commission  of  1841  and  1854  opinions  have  been 
expressed  in  favor  of  the  simplification  of  the  imperial  system  of  weights  by  the 
abolition  of  troy  weight; 

That  troy  weight  has  since  been  legally  discontinued  for  pharmaceutical  purposes, 
and  avoirdupois  weight  substituted  under  the  provisions  of  the  medical  act,  18G4  ; 

That  troy  weights  are  now  used  only  for  the  precious  metals  and  for  trade  purposes 
by  manufacturers  and  dealers  in  gold  and  silver  wares  ; 

That  the  troy  weights  so  used  for  trade  purposes  appear  to  be  the  old  nest  set  of 
ounce  weights,  increasing  in  a  binary  series  up  to  two  hundred  and  fifty-six  ounces, 
according  to  the  old  standards  established  by  Queen  Elizabeth  in  1588,  which  ceased 
to  be  the  legal  standards  in  18-24 ;  and  that  the  existing  legal  denominations  of  troy 
weights,  as  represented  by  the  official  standards,  are  not  generally  used  ; 

That  the  decimal  series  of  troy  ounces  for  bullion,  legalized  in  185:?,  has  never  been 
adopted  by  the  general  public  ; 

That  it  has  been  shown  to  us  that  throughout  the  United  Kingdom  only  eight  coun- 
ties and  thirteen  cities  and  towns  are  furnished  with  legal  copies  of  the  official  troy 
standards,  and  two  counties  and  live  cities  and  towns  with  legal  copies  of  the  official 
decimal  bullion  standards; 

That  the  legal  provisions  for  stamping  and  inspecting  troy  weights  throughout  the 
country  have  been  practically  inoperative  ; 

That  the  legalization  of  the  use  of  metric  weights  has  been  recommended  by  us  in 
our  second  report,  and  the  concurrent  use  of  three  distinct  systems  of  weights  will  he 
inexpedient,  and  tend  to  produce  confusion  and  complication,  more  especially  as  re- 
gards the  local  inspection  of  weights  and  measures,  as,  in  the  event  of  the  continuance 
of  the  troy  system,  it  would  be  requisite  to  provide  for  an  equally  vigilant  inspection 
of  troy  weights  as  of  other  weights ; 

That  we  have  satisfied  ourselves,  from  the  evidence  of  various  classes  of  persons 
now  using  troy  weight  in  business  transactions,  that  there  are  no  sufficiently  valid 
reasons  for  the  continuance  of  troy  weight  which  can  be  placed  against  the  great  ad- 
vantage to  the  public  of  simplifying  our  system  of  weights  by  its  abolition  : 

We  are  of  opinion  that  it  is  expedient  that  the  use  of  troy  weights  be  abolished  by 
law. 

(2,)  We  therefore  recommend  that  legislative  provision  he  made  that  from  and  after 
twelve  months  from  the  passing  of  an  act  for  that  purpose — 

The  provisions  of  the  act  5  Geo.  IV,  c.  74,  for  ascertaining  and  establishing  uniform- 
ity of  weights  and  measures,  and  of  1(>  Vict.,  c.  29,  for  regulating  the  weights  used  in 
sales  of  bullion,  and  of  any  other  act  or  acts  legalizing  or  requiring  the  use  of  troy 
weights,  so  far  as  they  relate  to  the  same,  shall  be  repealed. 

All  secondary  standards  of  troy  weight  now  deposited  in  the  standards  department 
of  the  board  of  trade  shall  cease  to  be  legal  secondary  standards. 

All  copies  of  such  secondary  standards  of  troy  weight,  verified  for  the  use  of  local 
inspectoi-s  of  weights  and  measures,  shall  cease  to  be  legal  standards. 

The  use  of  all  troy  weights  in  shops  and  places  where  goods  are  exposed  or  kept  for 
sale,  shall  be  illegal ;  and  all  troy  weights  found  there  shall  be  liable  to  be  seized  and 
forfeited,  and  the  person  in  whose  possession  they  are  found  shall,  on  conviction,  be 
liable  to  a  penalty  not  exceeding  £5. 

All  contracts  for  buying  and  selling  made  in  terms  of  troy  weight  shall  be  void. 

Such  provisions  to  apply  to  all  weights  and  measures  used  for  pharmaceutical  pur- 
poses; and  that  it  be  expressly  declared  that  the  powers  of  regulating  the  weights  and 
measures  to  be  used  in  pharmacy,  granted  to  the  general  medical  council  under  the 
medical  act,  1858,  be  limited  to  legal  denominations  of  weights  and  measures  for  which 
standards  are  provided  by  law. 

(3.)  We  recommend  that  for  a  period  of  ten  years  after  the  passing  of  the  act  the 
nse  of  troy  weights  for  the  internal  operations  of  manufactories  and  workshops,  not 
subject  to  the  visits  of  inspectors  of  weights  and  measures,  be  permitted,  and  that  no 
contract  or  agreement  between  a  master  and  workmen,  or  between  a  wholesale  and  re- 
tail dealer,  be  illegal  in  consequence  of  its  being  made  in  reference  to  troy  weight. 

But  that  after  the  expiration  of  ten  years  from  the  passing  of  the  act  the  same  pro- 
visions shall  be  applicable  to  such  troy  weights  as  to  those  specified  in  section  2. 

(4.)  Considering — 


^    V 


il  V 


<  y 


^Iv 


That  the  several  operations  connected  with  the  gold  and  silver  coinage,  the  purchase 
of  bullion,  and  the  assay  of  the  i)reciou8  metals  are  frequently  carried  on  with  relation 
to  business  transactions  with  foreign  countries,  and,  as  such,  are  matters  of  interna- 
tional trade ; 

That  we  have  had  the  evidence  of  the  late  master  of  the  mint  that  the  substitution 
of  the  metric  system  of  weights  for  the  troy  system,  and  of  the  decimal  system  of 
assay  for  the  grain  and  carat  system,  would  be  attended  not  only  with  no  difficulty  as 
regards  the  mint,  the  Bank  of  England,  and  the  bullion  trade,  but  with  advantage  to 
the  public ; 

That  from  the  evidence  produced  before  us  we  have  reason  to  believe  that  no  valid 
objections  or  practical  difficulties  exist  to  such  substitution ; 

We  recommend  that  legislative  provision  be  made  that,  in  all  cases  where  specified 
weights  of  the  troy  system  are  recited  in  any  existing  act  of  Parliament,  and  relate  to 
the  weight  or  fineness  of  the  gold  or  silver  coinage  or  of  bullion,  the  nearest  equivalent 
metric  weights,  according  to  a  table  of  equivalents  to  be  contained  in  a  schedule  an- 
nexed to  the  act,  be  substituted. 

And  we  also  recommend  that  in  all  statements  of  assays  of  gold  and  silver  bullion 
upon  which  any  legal  contracts  can  be  l»ased,  the  millesimal  or  centessimal  system  of 
assay  bn  substituted  for  the  grain  and  curat  system. 

(5.)  With  regard  to  troy  weights  specified  in  statutes  relating  to  duties  on  gold  and 
silver  plate  and  on  licenses  for  dealers  in  gold  and  silver  plate — 

We  think  that  it  may  be  sufficient  that  due  legislative  provision  be  made  to  enable 
the  inland  revenue  department  to  substitute  either  avoirdupois  or  metric  equivalents, 
or  the  nearest  integral  equivalents  that  may  be  deemed  expedient,  until  such  time  as 
a  legislative  change  may  be  made  in  the  amounts  of  these  duties  for  fiscal  objects. 

In  the  assessment  of  customs-duties  on  gold  and  silver  plate  imported  into  this  king- 
dom from  other  countries,  we  recommend  the  substitution  of  similar  equivalents  of 
metric  weight. 

(6.)  As  to  the  weights  to  be  substituted  for  those  of  the  troy  system  now  used  by  the 
general  j)ublic  and  for  purposes  of  manufacture  and  trade  ; 

Considering — 

That  we  have  stated  our  opinion  in  our  second  report  that  the  general  introduction 
of  the  metric  system  should  be  permissive  only,  and  not  made  compulsory  by  law, 
after  any  period  to  be  now  specified,  so  far  as  relates  to  the  use  of  metric  weights  for 
weighing  goods  for  sale  or  conveyance;  and  that  authoritative  regulations  should  be 
established  by  which  each  series  of  weights  may  be  readily  and  easily  distinguished 
by  the  adoption  of  conspicuous  distinctive  forms  or  otherwise ; 

That  it  will  be  a  sufficient  hardship  upon  those  persons  who  now  use  troy  weights 
to  be  compelled  to  give  them  up,  although  for  the  general  advantage  of  the  public ; 
and  it  will  be  manifestly  unjust,  also,  to  compel  them  to  substitute  metric  weights 
while  all  other  classes  of  the  community  are  under  no  obligation  to  abandon  their 
avoirdupois  weights  and  are  allowed  the  option  of  using  metric  weights ; 

That  the  grain  and  its  multiples  and  parts,  formerly  weights  of  the  troy  system, 
were  made  avoirdupois  weights  by  the  provisions  of  section  3  and  4  of  the  act  of  1853, 
for  legalizing  the  restored  standards  of  weights  and  measures,  and  will  in  future  be 
legal  weights  of  the  avoirdupois  scale  only  ; 

That  a  decimal  series  of  grain  weights  has  been  recommended  in  our  first  report  to 
be  legalized  as  official  standards;  and  such  series  from  0.01  grain  to  1,000  grains,  and 
additional  weights  of  2,000  and  4,000  grains,  have  been  constructed  and  have  been  most 
accurately  verified  in  the  standards  department  in  order  to  serve  as  legal  standards 
and  for  verifying  copies  for  the  use  of  local  inspectors  of  weights  and  measures,  in 
order  that  the  public  may  be  supplied  with  weights  of  this  description  duly  correct : 

It  appears  to  us  that  upon  the  abolition  of  troy  weight,  all  those  persons  who  now 
use  it,  either  for  manufacturing,  trading,  or  other  purposes,  should  be  permitted  to 
substitute  either  avoirdupois  or  metric  weights,  and  that  every  facility  should  be  af- 
forded to  them  for  this  object. 

Thatfor  all  ordinary  purposes,  the  substitution  of  the  avoirdupois  pound,  ounce,  and 
dram,  with  their  multiples  and  subdivisions,  to  the  half  dram,  will  suffice  for  those 
persons  who  may  wish  to  substitute  the  avoirdupois  scale. 

That  for  all  such  persons  who  may  require  more  minute  accuracy  in  their  weigh- 
ings, the  use  of  decimal  grain  weights  will  meet  their  requirements. 

That  such  grain  weights  for  public  use  should  be  constructed  of  a  distinctive  form 
of  material,  so  as  to  be  readily  distinguishable  from  other  nearly  equivalent  weights. 

(7.)  We  are  of  opinion  that  any  legislation  for  carrying  into  effect  the  objects  of 
these  resolutions  should  be  comprehended  in  the  bill  to  be  proposed  to  Parliament  by 
the  executive  government  for  the  amendment  of  the  weights  and  measures  laws,  as 
recommended  in  our  second  report. 

6.  In  the  minutes  of  evidence  herewith  submitted  to  Your  Majesty,  bearing  upon 
the  question  of  the  abolition  of  the  troy  scale,  and  upon  the  present  use  of  troy 
weights,  much  information  will  also  be  found  relating  to  the  system  of  inspection  of 


108 


METRIC    SYSTEM. 


i 


METRIC    SYSTEM. 


109 


weights  and  measures  now  established,  and  to  suggested  improvements  iu  this  sys- 
tem, including  the  relation  of  the  standards  department  of  the  board  of  trade  to  the 
local  inspectors  of  weights  ar»d  measures.  We  have  completed  our  inquiries  into  this 
large  and  important  question,  and  hope  very  shortly  to  submit  to  Your  Majesty^  the 
results  of  our  deliberations  in  our  next  report. 

We  have  to  lament  the  loss  of  one  of  the  members  of  the  commission,  Mr.  Graham, 
late  master  of  the  mint,  who  died  on  the  16th  September,  18(39. 
All  which  we  humbly  submit  to  Your  Majesty. 

G.  B.  AIRY,  Chairman. 
COLCHESTER. 
STEPHEN  CAVE. 

JOHN  GEORGE  SHAW  LEFEVRE. 
EDWARD  SABINE. 
W.  H.  MILLER. 
H.  W.  CHISHOLM. 
7  Old  Palace  Yard, 

February  1,  1870. 


D. — Extract  from  the  fifth  report  of  the  fttondards  commission,  1871. 


<  y 


-< 


i 


Oar  second  [report]  bore  more  partiralarly  on  the  question  of  the  introduction  into 
this  country  of  the  metric  system  of  weights  and  measures,  ami  embodied  the  results 
of  our  inquiries  and  deliberations  and  several  practical  recommendations,  having  for 
their  object  the  permissive  use  of  the  metric  system  in  the  United  Kingdom,  more 
especially  for  international  transactions.  / 

The  abolition  of  troy  weight  was  the  subject  of  our  third  report,  in  which^  we  re-  ^ 
feired  to  such  legislative  provisions  as  appeared  to  us  to  be  requisite  in  cairying  out  ^, 
our  recommendations  for  the  simplification  of  the  imperial  system  of  weight. 


Letter  from  the  Secretary  of  the  Interior,  transmit  ting,  in  response  to  a  resolution  of  the  / 

Roust-  of  Jieprcffcntatires,  reports  concerning  the  adoption  of  the  metrical  system  of  weights  \^ 

and  measures.  ^ 

Mat  6, 1878.— Eeferred  to  the  Committee  ou  Coinage,  "Weights,  and  Measures,  and  ordered  to  be  printed. 


Department  of  the  Interior, 

Washington,  1).  ('.,  May  4,  1878. 

Sir:  In  reply  to  a  resolution  of  the  House  of  Representatives,  passed  on  the  6th 
November,  1877,  requesting  the  heads  of  the  executive  dei)artment8  of  the  govern 
ment  to  report  what  objections,  if  any,  there  are  to  making  the  metrical  system  of 
weights  and  measures  obligatory  in  all  governmental  transactions,  and  also  in  all 
transactions  between  individuals,  I  have  the  honor  to  transmit  herewith  reports  upon 
the  subject  from  the  Commissioner  of  the  General  Laud  Office,  the  Comnussioner  of 
Patents,  the  Commissioner  of  Education,  Professor  F.  V.  Haydeu,  and  Major  J.  W. 
Powell 

Very  respectfully, 

C.  SCHURZ, 

Secretary. 
Hon.  Samuel  J.  Randall, 

Speaker  of  the  House  of  Representatires. 


-i 

n-       \ 


~f 


Department  of  the  Interior, 

General  Land  Office, 
Washington,  I).  C,  March  'J,  1878. 

Sir:  I  have  the  honor  to  acknowledge  the  receipt  of  a  copy  of  a  resolution  of  the 

1,  dated  November  (5, 1877,  which  has  been  referred  by  you  to 


^ 


House  of  Representatives 
this  office  for  report.  . 

Under  the  resolution  referred  to,  heads  of  executive  departments  of  the  government  ^/ 
are  requested  to  state  "  what  objections  there  are  to  making  obligatory  in  all  govern-   ^ 
mental  transactions  the  metrical  system  of  weights  and  measures  whose  use  has  been 
authorized  in  the  United  States  by  act  of  Congress,  and  also  how  long  a  preliminary 


y 


y 


Y 


y 


y 


y 


> 


notice  should  be  given  before  such  obligatory  use  can  be  introduced  without  detriment 
to  the  public  service  ; "  *  *  *  "  what  objections  there  are,  if  any,  to  making  the 
metrical  system  obligatory  in  all  transactions  between  individuals ;  and  what  is  the 
earliest  date  that  can  be  set  for  the  obligatory  use  of  the  metrical  system  throughout 
the  United  States." 

Assuming  that  this  office  is  expected  to  report  upon  questions  connected  with  the 
application  of  the  meter,  as  already  established  by  law,  in  determining  distances  and 
areas  in  the  prosecution  of  the  public-land  surveys,  I  have  given  that  part  of  the  sub- 
ject careful  consideration. 

The  system  now  in  use  in  surveying  and  subdividing  the  public  lands,  with  the 
modifications  that  have  been  suggested  by  experience,  has  controlled  the  public-land 
surveys  for  a  period  of  ninety  years.  Under  it  some  seven  hundred  millions  of  acres, 
lying  in  twenty-eight  States  and  Territories,  have  been  surveyed,  and  of  these  many 
millions  of  acres  remain  undisposed  of. 

The  aggregate  quantity  of  unsurveyed  public  lands  in  eleven  partially  surveyed 
States  and  Territories,  and  in  the  wholly  unsurveyed  Territory  of  Alaska,  is  about 
equal  to  that  already  surveyed. 

The  modifications  which  would  necessarily  follow  the  adoption  of  the  meter  in  place 
of  the  unit  of  measure  now  in  use  would  mainly  affect  the  subdivisional  work,  by  re- 
quiring the  use  of  the  centare,  are,  and  hectare  in  superficial  measures,  instead  of  the 
acre,  which  is  the  sole  unit  of  superficial  measure  now  in  use  in  land  surveys. 

As  the  unsold  lands  are  mingled  with  those  already  disposed  of  and  patented,  they 
cannot  be  resurveyed.  Without  resurvey,  they  must  be  disposed  of  as  now  sub- 
divided. If  the  proposed  obligatory  law  should  go  into  effect,  it  is  evident  that  the 
labors  of  this  office  in  disposing  of  lands,  the  subdivisions  of  which  are  governed  by 
two  different  systems,  must  be  very  considerably  increased. 

The  Gunter' chain,  so  long  used  in  this  branch  of  the  public  service,  is  of  the  con- 
venient length  of  66  feet.  It  furnishes  a  unit  of  linear  measure  twenty  times  greater 
than  that  of  the  metric  system— a  unit  that  accords  with  the  magnitude  of  the  opera- 
tions in  which  it  is  employed.  1  his  measure  is  readily  adapted  to  ancient  surveys,  in 
which  the  pole  or  perch  was  used.  It  determines  the  statute  mile  without  division  of 
its  ])art8. 

Wherever  the  public-land  surveys  extend  they  furnish  the  public  with  convenient 
reference  in  determining  distances  by  miles  and  parts  of  a  mile  from  point  to  point, 
and  their  monuments  are  referred  to  in  all  proceedings  relating  to  the  location  and 
construction  of  public  roads. 

The  80  chains  of  the  mile  divide  into  suitable  parts  without  fraction,  and  the  sub- 
divisions of  lands  produced  thereby  are  equally  free  from  the  disadvantage  of  frac- 
tional parts  of  the  acre. 

Where  from  natural  causes  fractional  subdivisions  become  necessary,  their  areas  are 
reaflily  determined  by  the  Gnnter  chain  and  its  decimal  parts. 

The  legal  township  of  the  United  States  land  surveys  is  approximately  a  rectangular 
tract,  with  sides  of  six  statute  miles.  This  body  of  land  is  divided  into  36  sections, 
with  sides  of  80  chains,  each  regular  section  embracing,  as  nearly  as  may  be,  a  square 
mile,  or  640  acres. 

In  setting  oft'  the  aforementioned  tracts  by  the  metric  system,  the  sides  of  the  town- 
ship— six  miles— would  measure  9  kilometers,  6  hectometers,  5  decameters,  6.083  meters. 

The  sides  of  the  system — 80  chains— would  measure  1  kilometer,  6  hectometers,  9.347 
meters. 

The  contents  of  a  section,  now  briefly  expressed  "  640  acres,"  would  be  258  hectares, 
99  ares,  98.41  centares. 

The  contents  of  the  convenient  and  briefly- described  quarter-section  of  160  acres, 
expressed  in  terms  of  the  metric  system,  would  be  64  hectares,  74  ares,  99.6  centares. 

Inferior  subdivisions  would,  of  course,  be  alike  burdened  with  a  multiplicity  of 
terms,  which,  owing  to  the  diminutive  unit  of  the  metrical  system,  can  only  be  deter- 
mined by  comparatively  laborious  calculations. 

The  use  of  the  subdivisions  inferior  to  the  hectare  would  in  some  respects  resemble 
a  return  to  the  long-discarded  "rood"  and  "i)erch"  formerly  recognized  as  subdivisions 
of  the  acre. 

The  effect  of  the  immediate  adoption  of  the  meter  in  land  surveying  would  be  to 
place  eleven  States  and  Territories  in  the  condition  of  having  their  lands  subdivided 
under  two  systems  widely  differing  in  character,  with  units  so  difficult  of  conversion 
one  to  the  other  as  to  cause  much  trouble  and  liability  to  error  in  the  transactions  of 
business  based  upon  land  areas. 

It  has  been  claimed  that  the  application  of  the  proposed  system  of  weights  and 
measures  will  greatly  facilitate  commercial  operations,  more  particularly  the  disposi- 
tion of  articles  of  export. 

While  this  may  be  true,  similar  advantages  cannot  be  expected  from  such  an  appli- 
cation at  this  late  day  to  surveyed  and  permanently-marked  subdivisions  of  the  earth's 
surface,  the  titles  to  which,  for  ages  to  come,  must  be  traced  from  time  to  time,  by  de- 


110 


METRIC   SYSTEM. 


) 


scription,  back  to  their  origin.    This  class  of  evils  will  be  increased  la  number  by  the 
ordinary  changes  connected  with  additions  to  and  partitions  of  estates. 

It  may  be  asserted  that  some  of  the  disadvantages  of  fractional  linear  and  super- 
ficial measure  can  be  averted  by  the  substitution  of  a  township  of  difterent  dimensions 
from  that  now  legalized,  but  such  action,  aside  from  other  inconveniences,  would  in- 
volve the  expense  of  retracement  of  many  standard  and  meridian  lines  now  marked  in 
the  field  to  suit  the  present  subdivisional  system. 

It  will,  I  trust,  be  seen  from  the  foregoing  that  the  substitution  of  the  meter  for  the 
convenient  unit  now  used  in  land  surveys  is  not  likely  to  promote  the  interests  of  this 
branch  of  the  service.  On  the  contrary,  the  effect  will  be  to  increase  its  labors  and 
expenses,  and  to  cause  great  inconvenience  to  the  public  for  many  years  to  come,  and 
these  embarrassments  seem  to  be  unbalanced  by  any  corresponding  advantage. 

Governed  by  these  views,  and  without  desiring  to  influence  opinion  as  to  the  effect 
of  the  proposed  obligatory  law  in  other  departments  of  the  public  service,  I  would 
respectfully  suggest  the  propriety  of  exempting  the  public- land  surveys  from  its  oper- 
ations. 

If,  however,  it  should  be  deemed  inexpedient  to  make  such  exemption,  I  would  fur- 
ther suggest  that  a  period  of  three  years  from  date  of  passage  of  the  proposed  obliga- 
tory law  be  allowed  this  branch  of  the  service  in  which  to  make  suitable  preparations 
in  field  and  office  to  meet  the  demands  of  the  new  system. 

The  aforementioned  copy  of  the  House  resolution  is  herewith  returned. 
I  have  the  honor  to  be,  very  respectfully, 

•J.  A.  WILLIAMSON, 

Commiasioner. 
Hon.  Carl  Schurz,  • 

Secretary  of  ike  Interior, 


Department  op  the  Interior, 
United  States  Patent  Office, 
Wanhiugton,  D.  C,  March  14,  1878. 

Sir:  I  have  the  honor  to  acknowledge  the  receipt  of  resolution  of  the  House  of 
Bepresentatives  of  November  0,  1877,  transmitted  by  you  for  report  January  17.  The 
resolution  calls  for  a  report — 

First,  upon  the  objections,  if  any  exist,  to  making  obligatory  in  all  government 
transactions  the  metric  system  of  weights  and  measures,  an«l  how  long  notice  should 
be  given  before  such  obligatory  use  can  be  introiluced  without  detriment  to  the  public ; 
and,  second,  as  to  the  objections,  if  any  exist,  to  making  the  metric  system  obligatory 
in  all  transactifms  between  individuals,  and  the  earliest  date  that  conld  be  set  tor  its 
obligatory  use  throughout  the  United  States.  It  should  be  remarked  tlmt,  so  far  as 
the  bnsiness  of  this  office  is  concerned,  the  whole  question  is  one  of  very  little  moment. 

Measurements  of  weights  and  quantity,  it  is  true,  sometimes  are  an  important  fac- 
tor in  inventions  relating  to  chemical  processes  and  composition  of  matter;  but  as 
such  quantities  are  in  office  practice  always  proportionate,  it  is  of  no  conse(jueuce  what- 
ever what  system  of  measurement  is  used.  The  proportion  of  two  to  one  is  clear  and 
precise,  and  the  same  under  all  systems. 

I  assume,  therefore,  that  a  report  is  desired  from  me  rather  as  a  possible  expert  on 
matters  closely  afl'ecting  the  whole  range  of  arts  and  sciences,  and  I  shall  consider  the 
question  as  one  of  public  concern,  entirely  outside  of  the  interest  of  this  office. 

In  the  first  place,  the  formal  statement  of  the  resolution,  whereby  it  is  proposed  to 
consider  separately  the  interests  of  the  government  and  of  the  public  generally  upon 
this  question,  a}>pears  to  be  an  unfortunate  one.  Tlie  mutual  iuterests  of  the  govern- 
ment and  people,  as  instanced  in  the  work  of  the  Post-Office  and  of  the  General  Land 
Office,  are  not  to  be  separated.  The  dealings  of  the  government  with  the  public  in  the 
purchase  of  sui>plies  for  the  Army,  Navy,  Indian  Bureau,  and  all  its  departments,  are 
interminable,  and  the  use  of  a  particular  system  of  weights  and  measures  in  ordinary 
commercial  transactions  by  the  government  makes  its  use  among  the  people  unavoid- 
able. Some  delay  might  occur  Ijefore  its  use  would  become  universal  in  transactions 
between  individuals,  but  the  abandonuieiit  of  the  old  system,  however  popular,  would 
be  only  a  question  of  time.  In  fact,  the  only  practicable  means,  in  my  opinion,  whereby 
the  adoption  of  the  new  system  l>y  the  people  of  the  United  States  could  be  accom- 
plished would  be  by  making  its  use  obligatory  in  all  government  transactions. 

The  general  question  as  to  the  practical  advantages  of  the  metric  system  over  those 
now  in  use  in  English-speaking  countries  has  been  urged  for  many  years.  It  is  enough 
to  say  that  almost  the  sole  advantage  claime<l  for  it  is  the  facility  of  calculation 
resulting  from  its  decimal  character.  To  a  full  appreciation  of  this  advantage  the 
people  of  the  United  States  may  be  considered  committed  by  the  adoption  of  their 
decimal  currency,  which  for  convenience  ai>|)arently  leaves  nothing  to  be  ilesired. 

It  may  fairly  be  questioned,  however,  whether  a  system  which  admits  of  decimal 
divisions  only  possesses  special  advantages  beyond  mere  facility  of  calculation.    The 


V 


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METRIC    SYSTEM. 


Ill 


division  into  halves  and  quarters  has  been  found  indispensable  in  our  coinage.  It  is 
a  natural  division,  which  the  mind  readily  grasps,  and  in  its  subdivisions  is  more 
readily  appreciated  than  the  division  by  tenths,  hundredths,  and  thousandths.  If  we 
have  a  clear  conception  of  the  length  of  one  yard,  we  readily  grasp  the  idea  of  two 
yards,  but  can  hardly  intelligently  grasp  that  of  ten  yards ;  and  the  reverse  is  strictly 
true.  The  mind  does  not  readily  vault  over  the  wide  intervals  that  the  decimal  sys- 
tem demands. 

Hence,  while  from  the  nature  of  our  numerical  notation  the  use  of  a  decimal  system 
facilitates  calculation,  its  advantages  over  others  in  all  practical  operations  are  subject 
to  question,  and  until  these  advantages  have  been  most  emphatically  demonstrated,  I 
should  be  slow  to  recommend  that  the  use  of  the  metric  system  be  made  obligatory 
upon  the  American  people.  Our  commercial  transactions,  other  than  domestic,  must 
always  be  largely  with  other  English-speaking  people  who  use  the  same  systems  with 
ourselves,  and  I  cannot  believe  it  advantageous  to  make  such  a  radical  change  as  this 
resohitiou  suggests  except  with  the  concurrence  and  concerted  action  of  Great  Britain 
and  her  colonies. 

These  objections  to  the  use  of  the  metric  system  in  the  ordinary  transactions  of  life 
are,  however,  of  trifling  importance  compared  with  others,  which  seem  almost  insur- 
mountable. It  matters  little  by  what  system  of  weight  or  measure  we  buy  or  sell  our 
sugar  or  cofTee,  or  silk  or  calico;  the  transaction  is  quickly  at  an  end;  and  the  com- 
parative convenience  of  one  system  rather  than  another  is,  in  most  cases,  a  matter  of 
habit  only.  A  versatile  people  might  quickly  enough  accustom  themselves  to  the  use 
of  any  ordinarily  convenient  system  for  such  transactions  as  these  ;  but  transactions 
which  involve  the  title  to  valuable  property,  and  become  matters  of  record,  which  are 
perpetuated  from  one  generation  to  another,  present  quite  a  different  aspect. 

The  history  of  the  Mississippi  Valley  affords  a  practical  illustration  of  the  difficulty 
of  substituting  one  system  of  land  measurement  for  another.  It  is  well  known  that 
the  early  French  settlers  of  Saint  Louis  and  vicinity  laid  out  their  land  in  arptnU,  the 
arpent  being  somewhat  less  than  an  acre,  and  the  common  unit  for  laud  measurement 
in  use  among  them.  Sirce  that  time  the  territory  has  passed  from  French  into  Spanish 
hands,  and  from  Spanish  to  our  own.  It  has  been  for  nearly  three-quarters  of  a  cen- 
tury American  soil.  The  French  settlers  have  become  merged  with  the  emigrants 
from  the  East  and  Europe  that  have  filled  the  Mississippi  Valley.  Old  customs  have 
disappeared,  and  the  few  lingering  reminders  of  French  occupation  are  cherished  by 
the  antiquarians  with  almost  as  much  tenderness  as  if  they  were  relics  of  Assj'^ria  or 
Babylon.  But  to-day  there  is  scarcely  a  x>iece  of  real  estate  in  the  vicinity  of  Saint 
Louis  that  is  not  measured  in  arpents.  It  is  so  advertised,  so  sold,  and  this  word 
lingers  in  the  speech  of  the  people,  and  the  area  it  indicates  lingers  in  their  daily 
transactions  with  a  tenacity  that  nothing  appears  to  shake.  Now  there  is  nothiug  in 
the  arpent  which  makes  it  a  more  convenient  unit  of  measurement  for  land  than  the 
acre.  But  its  retention  under  the  circumstances  is  something  more  than  a  question 
of  mere  habit  or  use.  It  is  because  all  real  estate  transactions  are  matters  of  perma- 
nent record,  and  permanent  records  are  only  changed  with  great  difficulty.  To  change 
them  involves  trauslations,  tedious  and  accurate  computation,  the  discarding  of  origi- 
nal records,  and  opens  the  door  to  mistakes  and  fraud;  and  the  possibilities  of  these 
are  without  eud. 

For  a  little  district  of  a  few  square  miles  along  the  Mississippi  River  now  substitute 
the  area  of  our  nation,  with  its  vast  estates,  its  little  farms,  its  villages  and  town  lots, 
all  measured  by  acres,  its  great  cities  in  which  ground  is  measured  minutely  down  to 
fractious  of  an  inch,  and  consider  the  vast  and  costly  records  iu  which  the  titles 
to  all  this  property  are  set  forth.  Consider  the  area  of  our  Western  States  and  Terri- 
tories, where  under  the  existing  Congressional  surveys  the  divisions  into  townships, 
sections,  quarter-sections,  »Sitc.,  have  become  not  only  matters  of  record  but  actually 
enter  into  the  social  and  political  life  of  the  iieople. 

If  three-quarters  of  a  century  have  done  so  little  to  obliterate  the  system  of  land- 
measurement  at  Saint  Louis  under  the  existing  circumstances,  what  period  would  be 
required  to  change  the  present  received  system  of  the  entire  country  to  the  one  pro- 
posed ?  Left  to  the  oi)eration  of  natural  causes,  it  is  safe  to  say  it  would  never  be 
done.  Were  there  compensatory  advantages,  the  authority  of  government  might  be 
exerted  to  bring  about  such  a  change;  but  there  are  none.  Even  the  facility  of  cal- 
culation so  sought  for  disappears  in  view  of  the  long  array  of  figures  and  fractious 
necessary  in  translating  the  terms  of  one  system  into  the  terms  of  the  other.  There 
is  nothing  to  compensate  for  the  hardship  and  the  danger  that  would  ensue  from  such 
a  change. 

The  existing  law  makes  the  use  of  the  metric  system  permissible.  Those  who  find 
it  to  their  advantage  do  and  will  employ  it.  But  I  would  not  advise  legislation  fur- 
ther 

Should  it  appear,  however,  to  Congress  desirable  to  make  its  use  obligatory,  I  would 
urge  that  the  expense  of  substituting  new  weights  and  measures  in  the  households  and 
shops  of  our  people  is  a  serious  item,  and  ought  not  to  be  made  needlessly  burdensome. 


112 


METRIC    SYSTEM. 


It  is  probable  that  in  the  course  of  ten  years  on  an  average  these  would  have  to  be 
replaced  by  new.  A  period  somewhat  shorter  than  this  might  be  fixed  upon,  since  a 
large  proportion  of  those  now  in  use  are  partially  worn.  Not  less  than  five  years  nor 
more  than  ten  is  the  limit  I  would  suggest  for  making  the  use  of  the  metric  system 
obligatory  in  ordinary  transactions,  if  this  is  determined  upon,  but  for  real-estate 
transactions  I  look  upon  this  change  as  impracticable  and  not  to  be  considered. 

I  remain,  Mr.  Secretary,  with  great  respect,  your  obedient  servant, 

ELLIS  SPEAR, 
Commissioner  of  FatenU. 

Hon.  Carl  Schurz, 

Secretary  of  the  Interior. 

Department  of  the  Interior, 

Bureau  of  Education, 
Washington f  D.  C,  January  12, 1878. 
Sir:  I  have  the  honor  to  return  herewith  the  copy  of  a  resolution  of  the  House  of 
Representatives  of  November  6,  1877,  respecting  the  adoption  of  the  metric  system  of 
weights  and  measures,  together  with  a  paper  prepared  in  accordance  therewith,  and 
am 


Very  respectfully,  your  obedient  servant, 
The  honorable  the  Secretary  of  the  Interior. 


JOHN  EATON, 
Commissioner, 


The  resolution  of  the  House  of  Representatives  of  November  6,  1877,  respecting  the 
adoption  of  the  metric  system  of  weights  and  measures,  comprehends  two  questions, 
one  as  to  the  practicability  of  its  adoption  in  all  governmental  transactions,  and  the 
other  as  to  the  practicability  of  enforcing  its  adoption  for  all  transactions  between 
individuals. 


The  first  question  is  best  answered  by  considering  the  transactions  of  the  Federal 
Government  with  the  governments  and  subjects  of  other  nations  apart  from  its  trans- 
actions with  its  own  citizens  and  inhabitants. 

1.  The  transactions  of  the  Federal  Government  with  foreign  nations  and  their  sub- 
jects, in  which  weights  and  measures  are  found  useftil  and  necessary,  are  chiefly  under 
the  supervision  of  the  Secretary  of  the  Treasury  and  the  Postmaster-General.  So  far 
as  this  department  is  informed,  no  greater  difficulty  or  delay  is  to  be  apprehended  if 
the  metric  system  of  weights  and  measures  be  substituted  for  those  now  in  use  than 
was  experienced  in  the  adoption  of  the  gram  as  the  unit-weight  of  the  international 
postal  union,  now  in  force. 

2.  The  Department  of  the  Interior,  while  not  having  such  vast  commercial  relations 
to  the  public  as  the  Treasury,  performs  various  duties  which  render  the  use  of  weights 
and  measures  necessary.    Among  these  I  mention  the  following  : 

the  department  in  general. 

In  the  purchase  of  wood,  coal,  ice,  gas,  stationery,  carpets,  curtains,  window-shades, 

In  the  weighing  of  parcels  and  letters  for  the  mail. 
In  all  publications,  correspondence,  &c. 

the  patent  office. 

In  all  dimensions  of  drawings,  models,  photo-lithographs,  specifications,  and  other 
things  relating  to  patents  for  inventions. 
In  the  library. 

THE  PENSION  OFFICE. 

In  the  description  of  injuries  or  abnormal  conditions  on  account  of  which  pensions 
are  applied  for  or  granted. 

THE  general  land  OFFICE. 

In  the  survey  and  sale  of  the  public  lands,  and  in  the  preparation  of  the  necessary 
maps,  charts,  and  papers  connected  therewith. 


) 


METRIC    SYSTEM. 


THE   OFFICE   OF  INDIAN  AFFAIRS. 


113 


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In  the  purchase  and  distribution  of  food,  clothing,  medicine,  &c.,  for  treaty  Indians, 
and  m  the  papers  and  accounts  connected  therewith. 

THE  BUREAU  OF  EDUCATION. 

For  cartographic  and  bibliographical  uses. 

THE  CENSUS  OFFICE. 

In  the  publications  of  the  decimal  census,  wherever  appropriate. 

THE  geological  AND  GEOGRAPHICAL  SURVEYS. 

In  the  work  of  surveying  and  exploring,  and  in  the  construction  of  the  maps,  sec- 
tions, ifec,  connected  therewith. 

THE   REFORM-SCHOOL,  JAIL,  AND   HOSPITALS. 

In  the  record  of  vital  and  medical  statistics,  «&c. 

3.  The  most  intimate  relation  which  this  department  bears  to  the  public  is  undoubt- 
edly as  the  vender  of  the  public  lands.  The  present  system  of  surveying  is  based  on 
the  relation  between  the  mile  or  unit  of  itinerary  measure  and  the  acre  or  unit  of  land 
measure,  the  section  of  one  square  mile  containing  640  acres.  Thus  the  survey  fur- 
nishes an  easily-applied  measure  of  distances,  as  well  as  a  simple  and  beautiful  rec- 
tangular division  of  the  public  lands.  These  are  practical  advantages  which  should 
not  be  hastily  resigned.  If  the  hectare  of  the  metric  system  be  adopted  as  the  unit 
of  land  measure,  instead  of  the  acre,  the  most  convenient  and  suitable  practice  would 
be  to  provide  that  the  new  section  of  land  should  consist  of  256  hectares,  and  be  a 
square  parcel  of  land  measuring  1,600  meters  each  way.  The  sides  of  this  sq  uare  would 
measure  5,249  feet  4.6912  inches  or  30  feet  7.3078  inches  less  than  one  mile.  The  fol- 
lowing  diagram,  in  which  5  millimeters  represent  100  meters,  illustrates  this  plan: 


<iy 


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1 

I 

F 

E 

H 

d 

c 

A 

b 

B 

U 

■ 

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A  B=400  meters ;  A  C=800  meters ;  A  D=l,600  meters,  or  5,249 


A  b=100  meters , 
feet  4.6912  inches. 

A  be  d=l  hect^e  ;  A  B  E  H=16  hectares,  or  tV  section ;  A  C  F  1=64  hectares,  or 
i  section  ;  A  D  G  K=256  hectares,  or  632.60112881  acres.  vi,»xcb,  ur 

TT^**^^^l?^^^^®'T®^  that  the  distance  A  D  is  only  30  feet  7.3078  inches  less  than  the 
United  States  mile,  and  that  the  section  A  D  G  K  is  smaller  than  1  square  mile  bv 

H.  Eep.  14 8 


\ 


114  METRIC    SYSTEM. 

7.39887119  acres  only.  A  township  of  36  sncb  sections  would  contain  9.216  hectares. 
If  sold  for  §3.1-2i  per  hectare,  the  section  would  bring  the  same  price  as  the  present 
square  mile. 

II. 

The  second  inquiry  of  the  House  committee  suggests  several  considerations  which 
I  shall  brietly  review  one  by  one ;  premising  that  the  only  valid  reason  for  a  change  in 
the  weights  and  measures  of  a  country  is  the  greater  convenience  attained.  Theoret- 
ical consideratious  are  to  be  discarded.  In  any  change  at  the  present  time,  three 
courses  of  action  are  open  to  us  : 

1.  The  metric  system,  substantially  as  used  in  France,  may  be  substituted  for  our 
present  system.  Belgium,  Italy,  and  other  nations  have  adopted  this  plan.  The  prin- 
cipal practical  objections  to  its  adoption  are  that  it  would  be  an  entire  revolution  of 
our  present  thoughts,  apprehensions,  and  usages,  and  that  the  nation  with  which  we 
have  the  closest  literary,  political,  ethnological,  and  commercial  connections,  to  wit, 
Great  Britain,  has  not  adopted  it. 

2.  The  standards  now  in  use,  the  yard,  the  gallon,  the  bushel,  the  mile,  and  the  sec- 
tion, may  be  slightly  modified  so  as  to  have  a  metric  value  easily  convertible  into  the 
corresponding  metric  units  of  measure.  This  has  been  done  by  the  German  Empire. 
The  imperial  stab  is  a  meter,  the  kanne  is  a  liter,  the  schoppen  is  a  half-liter ;  the  fass 
is  a  hectoliter,  the  scheftel  is  a  half -hectoliter,  the  pfund  is  a  half-kilogram.  These 
names,  once  beloDging  to  many  slightly  diflierent  units,  and  thereby  causing  endless 
confusion  and  pecuniary  loss,  now  have  a  detiuite  and  uniform  value  all  over  the  em- 
pire, and  their  new  values  have  been  accepted,  not  only  without  objection,  but  with 
general  satisfaction. 

3.  We  may  retain  the  yard,  gallon,  bushel,  pound,  and  acre,  and  by  the  decimal  sys- 
tem of  multiplication  and  division  derive  a  new  and  more  convenient  series  of  weights 
and  measures  therefrom.  We  have  used  the  decimal  system  in  our  coinage  theoreti- 
cally, the  series  from  low  to  high  being  the  mill,  cent,  dime,  dollar,  and  eagle.  Prac- 
tically, we  use  the  mill  only  in  expressing  the  rates  of  taxation  (as  three  mills  to  the 
dollar),  the  cent  and  dollar  in  ordinary  business,  the  dime  as  a  subsidiary  coin,  the 
eagle  never  nowadays,  as  the  half-eagle  is  a  more  convenient  coin.  We  use  in  survey- 
ing the  link  of  7.92  inches  and  the  Guuter's  chain  of  792  inches  or  66  feet,  the  square 
chain  (of  16  square  rods),  and  the  acre  of  ten  square  chains. 

Sweden  adopted  the  decimal  notation  some  years  ago.  I  am  informed  that,  after  a 
full  trial,  that  country  has  decided  to  adopt  the  metric  system  on  and  after  January  1, 
1889.  This  seems  to  indicate  that  the  decimal  notation  is  only  a  palliative  measure  in 
practice. 

The  metric  system  of  weights  and  measures  has  been  adopted,  in  one  of  the  two  ways 
above  mentioned,  by  the  Argentine  Republic,  Bolivia,  Brazil,  Chili,  the  United  States 
of  Colombia,  Ecuador,  Mexico,  Peru,  and  Uruguay,  in  the  Americas ;  by  Austria-Hun- 
gary, Belgium,  Franc?,  the  German  Empire,  Greece,  Holland,  Italy,  Portugal,  Rouraa- 
nia,  Spain,  and  Switzerland  in  Europe ;  by  the  British  iu  the  East  Indian  possessions, 
and  by  the  viceroy  of  Egypt. 

It  is  permitted  in  Great  Britain  and  her  colonies,  and  in  our  own  country  ;  these  and 
Russia  are  the  only  commercial  nations  of  any  importance  where  it  is  not  legally  ob- 
ligatory. 

Should  the  metric  system  be  adopted  for  ordinary  use  in  this  country,  or  should  our 
standards  be  moditied  so  as  to  be  readily  compared  therewith,  it  is  obvious  that  the 
influence  on  certain  industries  would  be  very  great. 

Lumber,  now  sawed  16  feet  long,  would  then  probably  have  to  be  5  meters  long,  an 
excess  of  nearly  5  inches;  a  thickness  of  2^  centimeters  would  correspond  near  enough 
to  our  inch. 

A  cord  of  firewood  would  be  2.50  meters  long,  1.25  meters  wide  and  high,  and  would 
contain  about  136  cubic  feet,  instead  of  128,  as  now. 

A  new  ton  of  1,000  kilograms,  equal  to  somewhat  more  than  2,205  avoirdupois 
pounds,  would  be  an  acceptable  substitute  for  the  "long  "  and  "  short "  tons  now  in  use. 

A  new  gallon  of  4  liters  capacity,  and  a  new  bushel  equal  to  4  decaliters,  would  do 
away  with  much  of  the  confusion  inevitable  under  the  use  of  the  present  dry  and 
liquid  measures. 

The  Federal  Government  can  assist  in  the  general  comprehension  of  the  metric  sys- 
tem, preparatory  to  its  obligatory  use  by  the  people,  in  various  ways. 

It  can  use  it  exclusively  in  all  instruments  of  precision  prepared  for  its  departments, 
offices,  and  employes. 

It  can  construct  all  maps,  charts,  and  diagrams  by  the  system. 

It  can  use  the  system  in  all  purchases,  surveys,  and  sales. 

It  can  use  it  in  all  its  publications,  legislative,  executive,  and  judicial. 

It  can  require  a  thorough  knowledge  of  and  familiarity  with  the  system  of  candi- 
dates for  admission  to  its  military,  naval,  medical,  and  civil  service. 


METRIC    SYSTEM. 


115 


-{ 


■i 


As  an  example  of  the  way  in  which  government  can  inflaence  matters  of  this  kind, 
I  give  one  or  two  items  about  stationery  : 

Writing-paper  is  now  generally  supplied  by  the  trade,  in  reams  containing  480  sheets ; 
-the  official  ream  might  be  made  500  sheets;  the  weight  might  be  expressed  in  kilo- 
grams; the  rulings  for  ordinary  styles  one  centimeter  apart. 

Official  envelopes,  and  all  envelopes  supplied  by  the  Post-Office  Department,  could 
be  made  to  carry  a  decimeter  scale,  divided  into  centimeters  and  millimeters,  along 
their  lower  margin,  properly  indicated. 

Ink  and  mucilage  might  be  ordered  in  bottles  containing  a  liter  instead  of  a  quart. 

I  would  also  suggest  that  the  use  of  the  centigrade  thermometer  instead  of  Fahren- 
heit's, and  of  barometers  graduated  to  millimeters  instead  of  fractions  of  an  inch, 
should  accompany  any  substitution  of  the  metric  for  the  present  system. 

Some  confusion  in  the  discussion  of  this  subject  has  occurred  by  the  slightly  differ- 
ent values  given  to  the  meter.  The  calculation  of  Capt.  Alexander  R.  Clarke,  of  the 
British  ordnance  survey  othce,  is  probably  the  most  correct,  i.  c,  that  the  meter  is 
equal  to  39.370432  inches. 

ADDENDUM. 


^  f 


I  am  informed  that  Dr.  Franklin  B.  Hough,  formerly  superintendent  of  the  New 
York  State  census,  has  revised  some  interesting  statistics  prepared  by  him  in  regard 
to  the  different  weights  in  avoirdupois  pounds  of  a  bushel  of  various  commodities  as 
provided  by  the  laws  in  certain  States  and  Territories.  Appreciating  the  value  of 
such  a  statement  in  connection  with  the  subject  of  this  paper,  I  have  requested  him 
to  supply  me  with  a  copy  of  his  table.  This  he  has  done,  and  with  it  has  written  a 
letter,  from  which  the  following  extracts  are  made: 

*  *  *  I  herewith  submit  a  table  of  weights  of  a  bushel  of  grain  and  other  com- 
modities, recently  prepared  by  me  for  use  in  a  work  now  in  course  of  publication, 
designed  to  facilitate  the  preservation  of  statistical  records  of  farm  industries.    *    *    *■ 

An  examination  of  the  table  will  show  at  a  glance  that  while  in  some  instances  suf- 
ficient uniformity  exists — as,  for  example,  in  the  weight  of  wheat,  which  is  60  pounds 
to  the  bushel  in  every  case  where  it  is  mentioned — yet  that  there  is  a  singular  discrep- 
ancy iu  other  cases  that  might  lead  to  serious  misunderstandiug  in  dealings  between 
citizens  of  different  States. 

As  an  instance  of  this  disparity,  it  may  be  noticed  that  1,000  bushels  of  barley, 
bought  in  the  State  of  Kansas  at  48  pounds  to  the  bushel,  would  become  1,500  bushels 
in  New  Orleans,  where  a  contract  for  delivery  would,  in  the  absence  of  agreement  to 
the  contrary,  be  patisfied  at  the  rate  of  32  pouiids  to  the  bushel. 

In  the  case  of  rye,  1,000  bushels  would,  by  the  same  transfer,  become  1,750  bushels; 
and  in  other  cases  differences  might  arise  which,  if  not  so  great,  are  manifestly  as 
unjust  in  the  settlement  of  commercial  accounts. 

*  *  *  Instances  are  not  wanting  of  an  exception  to  the  rule  in  favor  of  certain 
counties,  so  that  the  statute  weight  of  a  bushel  was  not  uniform  at  a  gis'^en  time 
throughout  the  State.  An  instance  of  this  occurred  in  an  act  passed  March  14,  1844, 
by  the  legislature  of  New  Jersey,  making  a  bushel  of  corn  55  pounds  iu  Salem  County, 
while  it  was  56  pounds  in  the  rest  of  the  State. 

In  one  instance,  an  act  now  in  force  discriminates  in  favor  of  a  commodity  produced 
within  the  State  as  against  the  same  brought  from  a  neighboring  State.  This  was  by 
a  law  of  Indiana,  approved  March  7,  181)3,  fixing  the  weight  of  a  bushel  of  mineral 
coal  at  70  pounds  if  mined  within  the  State,  and  at  80  pounds  if  mined  without  and 
sold  within  the  State. 

As  a  general  rule,  these  weights  as  fixed  by  law  are  declared  to  be  intended  as  a 
standard  of  reference  in  the  absence  of  an  expressed  agreement,  but  an  instance  may 
be  cited  in  which  this  option  of  special  contract  is  forbidden,  and  either  one  of  the  par- 
ties may  obtain  a  forfeiture  from  the  other  if  he  is  unwilling  to  accept  the  weight  as 
fixed  by  law.  I  refer  to  the  act  of  the  Maine  legislature  of  February  17,  1874,  fixing 
the  weight  of  a  bushel  of  apples  at  fourty-four  pounds,  and  forbidding  agreement  to 
the  contrary,  under  a  forfeiture  of  25  cents  to  each  bushel.    *    *     * 

Custom  has,  iu  some  markets,  already  fixed  upon  the  ceHtal  or  one  hundred  pounds 
avoirdupois  as  a  unit  in  the  sale  of  grains,  and  if  this  were  adopted  as  the  measure  of 
all  commodities  mentioned  in  the  table  under  consideration,  there  would  be  no  diffi- 
culty in  adjusting  prices  to  this  standard  in  whatever  might  bo  bought  and  sold. 

Referring  back  to  the  differences  noticed  in  the  weights  of  a  bushel  between  differ- 
ent States,  there  can  be  no  doubt  but  that  an  appeal  to  the  courts  of  any  one  of  the 
States  would  lead  to  a  decision  in  accordance  with  the  laws  of  that  State  in  fixing  the 
weight  of  a  bushel  of  grain.  It  is  further  evident  that  decisions  in  State  courts  of 
last  appeal  might  be  as  discordant  upon  this  subject  as  the  laws  themselves. 

But  the  Constitution  of  the  United  States  provides  that  "  full  faith  and  credit  shall 
be  given  in  each  State  to  the  public  acts,  records,  and  judicial  proceedings  of  every 
other  State.  And  the  Congress  may  by  general  law  prescribe  the  manner  in  which 
such  acts,  records,  and  proceedings  shall  be  proved,  and  the  effect  thereof." 


116 


METRIC    SYSTEM. 


\ 


METRIC   SYSTEM. 


117 


It  is  easy  to  understand  how  the  "  manner  of  proof"  might  be  provided  for ;  much 
easier  than  to  foresee  in  this  instance  "  the  effect  thereof  " ;  but  shouhl  a  case  of  ditfer- 
ence  between  citizens  of  different  States,  arising  from  a  misunderstanding  on  this  sub- 
ject, be  brought  for  decision  in  the  Supreme  Court  of  the  United  States,  it  is  evident 
that  great  dithculty  would  be  experienced  in  giving  that  equal  credit  due  to  each 
State  in  its  public  acts  and  judicial  decisions  where  each  was  equally  positive  and 
directly  opposed  to  the  other. 

On  carefully  examining  other  statutes  defining  the  weights  and  measures  of  quanti- 
ties other  than  the  bushel,  we  tind  differences  between  States  that  ought  not  to  exist. 
The  number  of  cubic  inches  in  a  struck  bushel  differs  slightly,  and  the  contents  of  a 
bushel  of  heaped  measure  considerably.    The  gallon  of  milk  in  Vermont  and  Massa-       / 
chnsetts  is  231  cubic  inches,  or  "  wine  measure,"  while  in  New  Hampshire  it  is  283  -^ 
cubic  inches,  or  "beer  measure."    The  superficial  area  of  a  half -bushel  (a  matter  of     \ 
consequence  in  selling  by  heaped  measure)  is  not  uniform,  and  the  contents  of  a  barrel, 
as  defined  by  State  laws,  is  different  in  different  States. 

Extending  these  comparisons  to  other  units  of  measure,  we  find  notable  discordance 
in  the  laws  relating  to  the  inspection  of  staves,  lumber,  shingles,  and  other  forest 
products ;  differences  that  ought  not  to  exist,  and  which  are  liable  to  lead  to  misun- 
derstandings, by  affording  opportunities  for  fraud.  The  differences  that  exist  between 
the  inspection  laws  of  the  several  States  require  a  careful  study  before  venturing  upon  -, 
general  legislation,  to  the  end  that  the  true  wants  of  the  country  and  the  equities  of 
trade  may  be  served  without  prejudice  to  any  section  or  interest. 


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120  METRIC   SYSTEM. 

Office  op  thk  United  States  Geological  and 

Geographical  Survey  of  the  Territories, 

Washington,  D.  C,  March  20,  1878. 

Sir  :  In  reply  to  your  cotnmanication  of  March  11,  asking  an  expression  of  my 
"views  in  regard  to  the  resolntion  of  Mr.  Clark,  of  Missouri,  passed  by  Congress  No- 
vember 6,  1H77,  I  beg  to  state,  tirst,  that  among  the  majority  of  scientific  men  in  all 
countries,  a  uniform  system  of  weights  and  measures  for  the  entire  civilized  world  is 
held  as  a  matter  of  the  highest  importance.  As  far  back  as  1821,  Hon.  John  Quincy 
Adams  used  the  following  forcible  language  : 

"  Uniformity  of  weights  and  measures,  permanent,  universal  uniformity,  adapted  to 
the  nature  of  things,  to  the  physical  organization  and  moral  improvement  of  man, 
would  be  a  blessing  of  such  transcendent  magnitude  that  if  there  existed  upon  earth 
a  combination  of  power  and  will  adequate  to  accomplish  the  result  by  the  energy  of  a 
single  act,  the  being  who  should  exercise  it  would  be  among  the  greatest  of  benefac- 
tors to  the  humiin  race." 

So  far  as  the  work  of  this  survey  is  concerned,  there  is  but  little  difference  in  the 
two  systems.  In  our  map-work  it  is  unimportant  whether  we  use  meters  or  miles, 
frequently  using  both. 

There  are  special  cases  where  the  metric  system  might  be  made  obligatory  imme- 
diately, as  in  the  Post-Office  Department,  but  among  individuals  or  in  English-speak- 
ing countries  it  would  seem  quite  impossible  to  make  the  metric  system  compulsory 
during  the  present  generation.  Our  people  cannot  think  in  that  system,  and  must 
therefore  consume  a  certain  amount  of  time  in  translating  from  one  into  the  other. 

The  metric  system  will  probably  be  required  to  be  introduced  into  the  common 
schools  to  the  exclusion  of  our  English  method. 

It  is  believed  that  all  objections  to  the  metric  system  will  be  entirely  overcome  in 
the  progress  of  the  times. 

Very  respectfully,  your  obedient  servant, 

F.  V.  HAYDEN, 

United  States  Geologist. 
Hon.  Carl  Schurz, 

tSeintary  of  the  Interior. 

Department  of  the  Interior, 
United  States  Geographical  and  Geological 
Survey  of  the  Rocky  Mountain  Region, 

Washington,  I).  C,  May  3,  1878. 

Sir:  I  have  the  honor  to  acknowledge  the  receipt  of  your  letter  of  March  11,  com- 
municating to  me  the  resolntion  of  the  House  of  Representatives,  on  motion  of  Hon. 
John  B.  Clark,  jr.,  of  Missouri,  namely : 

"Besolnd,  That  the  heads  of  the  executive  departments  of  the  goveniment  be,  and 
they  are  hereby,  requested  to  report  to  this  House,  at  as  early  a  date  as  practicable, 
what  objections,  if  any,  there  are  to  making  obligatory  in  all  governmental  transac- 
tions the  metrical  system  of  weights  and  measures,  whose  use  has  been  authorized  in 
the  United  States  by  act  of  Congress,"  «&c. 

In  which  letter  you  also  desire  me  to  give  an  expression  of  my  opinion  upon  the 
subject  referred  to  in  said  resolution.     I  have  the  honor  to  reply  as  follows : 

It  appears  to  be  the  conviction  of  many  able  men  who  have  studied  the  subject, 
that  the  adoption  of  the  metric  system  now  employed  by  France,  Grermany,  and  other 
countries,  would  be  beneficial  to  the  people  of  this  country  in  many  ways,  by  dimin- 
ishing the  labor  of  computation  and  promoting  the  accuracy  of  records  and  accounts, 
the  proper  keeping  of  which  is  so  essential  to  and  intimately  associated  with  the  wel- 
fare of  the  entire  people.  There  can  be  no  question  that  if  all  computations  could  be 
at  once  settled  upon  the  basis  of  this  system,  and  if  those  who  daily  make  use  of  com- 
putations were  as  thoroughly  habituated  to  it  as  they  are  to  the  heterogeneous  system 
now  in  use,  the  gain  would  be  very  great.  On  the  other  hand,  it  cannot  be  denied  that 
much  difficulty  must  be  encountered  and  no  small  amoant  of  inconvenience  entailed 
in  making  the  transition,  and  the  question  is  resolved  into  the  ulterior  one  of  whether 
the  advantages  to  be  secured  by  the  change  would  more  than  compensate  for  the  dif- 
ficulties of  making  it.  While  the  affirmative  view  of  this  question  appears  to  me  to 
be  the  only  reasonable  one,  I  think  that  many  difficulties  may  be  recognized. 

So  far  as  relates  to  the  adoption  of  the  metric  system  in  governmental  transactions, 
the  principal  difficulties  seem  to  me  to  be  as  follows:  All  of  the  laws  of  the  United 
States  which  involve  the  records  and  computations  of  weights  and  measures  specify 
the  quantities  in  terms  of  the  existing  system.    The  laws  relating  to  the  duties  on  im- 

Jjorts  and  rates  of  excise,  other  than  ad  valorem,  specify  pounds,  tons,  feet,  yards,  gal- 
ons,  <&c.    The  laws  relating  to  the  lands  and  their  metes  and  bounds  specify  the  cur- 


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METRIC   SYSTEM. 


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rent  units  of  linear  or  superficial  measures.  In  governmental  transactions,  rates  of 
purchase,  sale,  and  taxation  are  usually  so  adjusted  to  weights  and  measures  as  to  be 
easily  expressed  in  simple  numbers  and  very  simple  fractions.  For  example,  when  lands 
are  sold  the  price  is  a  dollar  and  an  easily  expressed  fraction  of  a  dollar  per  acre.  The 
duty  upon  cloth  is  a  definite  number  of  cents  per  yard.  The  tax  on  spirits  is  a  definite 
number  of  cents  per  gallon.  To  change  the  mode  of  computation  in  these  transactions 
to  the  metric  system  without  any  alteration  in  the  present  prices  and  rates  of  taxation 
would  involve  the  use  of  inconvenient  decimal  fractions.  To  obtain  that  simplicity  of 
computation  which  is  the  main  object  and  utility  of  the  metric  system,  it  would  be  nec- 
essary to  change  the  quantitative  specifications  of  the  law.  Take  an  example  :  The 
present  tax  upon  distilled  spirits  is  90  cents  per  proof-gallon  ;  if  the  metric  system 
were  to  be  employed,  without  any  change  in  the  rate  of  taxation,  the  law  would  have  to 
read  that  the  tax  per  proof  litre  should  be  23.776124  cents,  an  incommensurable  quan- 
titv  more  difficult  to  employ  than  the  present  one,  and  the  most  obvicms  way  of  meet- 
in^  the  difficulty  would  be  to  make  a  slight  alteration  in  prices,  excise,  and  dnty  rates, 
insufficient  to  aifect  commercial  interests,  but  sufficient  to  secure  the  required  sim- 
plicity and  acuracy  of  specifications.  This  difficulty  does  not,  however,  appear  to  be 
insuperable,  for  if  Congress  is  fully  satisfied  that  the  gain  from  the  use  of  the  inetric 
system  is  more  than  sufficient  to  compensate  the  acknowledged  difficulties  of  its  intro- 
duction, the  remedy  is  simple  and  obvious. 

There  is  another  difficulty  which  must  be  apparent  to  all  who  have  given  the  sub- 
ject even  a  cursory  examination.  The  government  is  frequently  brought  into  relations, 
involving  the  use  of  weights  and  measures,  with  uneducated  personswhose  powers  of 
computation  are  limited,  and  whose  ideas  are  so  thoroughly  imbued  with  the  present 
system  that  the  metric  system  is  almost  beyond  their  grasp,  and  who  would  be  com- 
pelled to  rely  upon  the  good  faith  and  services  of  others  in  transactions  where  the  law 
would  hold  them  responsible  for  a  full  and  intelligent  comprehension  of  their  own  acts 
and  their  consequences.  I  believe,  however,  that  we  are  more  apt  to  overrate  than  to 
underrate  the  difficulties  that  may  arise  from  this  source.  It  is  not  probable  iu  any  event 
that  legislation  would  be  resorted  to  in  order  to  introduce  the  metric  system  violently, 
as  the  fact  would  be  recognized  that  the  people  piust  grow  into  and  adopt  it  grailually , 
if  at  all,  and  that  this  gradual  adoption  would  in  itself  furnish  a  reasonable  safeguard 
against  such  danger. 

It  would  no  doubt  be  easy  to  suggest  many  sources  of  difficulty  which  in  a  general 
way  are  analogous  to  those  already  stated,  and  of  which  the  foregoing  are  intended 
merely  as  examples.  If  the  inquiry  of  the  committee  asking  for  objections  refers  to 
insuperable  objections,  I  can  only  state  that  I  see  none  of  that  character. 

There  are  certain  facts  worthy  of  consideration  in  this  connection.  A  very  large  num- 
ber, probably  a  great  majority  of  all  the  citizens  of  the  United  States,  are  alrejwly  so 
fully  informed  on  this  subject  that  a  change  to  the  new  system  is  by  them  deemed  wise. 
In  very  many  of  the  public  schools  of  the  United  States,  and  the  private  schools  also, 
the  metric  system  is  taught ;  and  the  method  of  determining  in  units  of  the  new  system 
the  value  of  quantities  in  the  old  is  already  familiar  to  the  youth  of  the  country.  It 
is  desirable  that  this  interest  in  the  metric  system  should  not  abate,  but  rather  that 
some  stimulus  be  given  to  the  acquirement  of  a  more  thorough  knowledge  of  and  famil- 
iarity with  it.  For  this  purpose  I  consider  that  it  would  be  wise  to  introduce  its  use 
into  some  departments  of  the  government  at  an  early  date. 

Having  made  as  careful  a  survey  as  time  and  circumstances  would  permit  of  the  gen- 
eral scope  of  government  business^  I  have  been  led  to  the  opinion  that  it  might  be  in- 
troduced into  governmental  transactions  relating  to  international  commerce,  into  the 
postal  service,  and  into  all  that  portion  of  the  business  of  the  General  Land  Office  which 
pertains  to  the  public  lands  yet  unsurveyed.  In  these  branches  of  the  government 
little  inconvenience  will  be  felt  by  private  individuals,  as  the  business  will  be  trans- 
acted by  government  officers  and  employds  who  are,  or  should  be,  competent  to  the 
task.  More  than  one-half  of  the  whole  area  of  the  United  States,  including  Alaska,  is 
yet  unsurveyed  and  undisposed  of.  While  over  a  portion  of  this  great  area  divisional 
surveys  are  unnecessary,  yet  the  greater  part  must  eventually  be  surveyed  antecedent  to 
the  conveyance  of  titles  to  individuals. 

If  the  metric  system  is  finally  to  prevail  in  this  country,  it  is  desirable  that  these 
lands  should  be  measured  and  conveyed  in  units  of  the  new  system. 

While  I  deem  it  wise  to  introduce  the  new  system  gradually,  it  would  be  unfortunate 
to  check  the  growing  interest  iu  it  by  a  rapid  change  that  would  at  once  precipitate 
on  the  people  all  the  difficulties  inevitable  to  the  transition.  The  final  accomplishment 
of  this  good  might  thereby  be  indefinitely  postponed. 

Should  it  be  thought  desirable  to  introduce  the  new  system  more  extensively  into 
the  business  of  the  government,  I  would  suggest  that  it  might  be  adopted  in  transac- 
tions relating  to  the  internal  revenue  and  government  transportation  ;  but  the  same 
precaution  should  be  used  in  these  cases  as  in  those  mentioned  above,  namely,  that  in 
the  quantitative  specifications  of  the  law,  and  all  contracts  made  under  the  law,  rates 
should  be  adjusted  to  quantities,  so  as  to  be  expressed  in  a  simple  manner ;  for  if  this 


122 


METRIC    SYSTEM. 


is  neglected  the  new  method  will  be  so  burdeDSome  as  to  bring  the  system  into  popu- 
lar disrepute.  I  entertain  the  opinion,  however,  that  it  will  be  wiser  to  postpone  its 
introduction  in  the  latter- mentioned  cases  until  it  has  been  thoroughly  tried  in  the 
former. 

The  resolution  of  the  committee  also  inquires,  "  How  long  a  preliminary  notice  should 
be  given  before  such  obligatory  use  can  be  introduced  without  detrimeufc  to  the  public 
service  ?"  So  far  a^  it  reLites  to  transactions  between  the  government  and  individu- 
als, I  see  no  reason  why,  if  it  is  to  be  introduced  at  all,  it  cannot  be  introduced  now 
to  the  extent  mentioned  above,  giving  only  such  preliminary  notice  as  would  be  nec- 
essary to  make  all  persons  who  may  be  concerned  fully  apprised  of  the  intention  of  the 
government.  For  this  purpose  a  single  year  will,  in  my  opinion,  be  ample.  It  should  be 
borue  in  mind,  in  this  connection,  that  the  transactions  of  the  government  ditfer  from 
those  between  individuals  in  the  following  important  particulars:  They  are  more  de- 
liberate, and  are- matters  of  record,  involving  no  dangers  nor  difficulties  except  such  as 
the  intelligence  of  its  employes  is  presumably  quite  adequate  to  meet,  whereas  the 
transactions  between  individuals,  over  the  counter  of  the  retail  store,  on  the  street,  or 
in  the  farm-yard,  are  frequently  without  record  or  voucher,  and  sometimes  made  by 
individuals  of  small  education.  In  such  cases  a  sudden  change  in  the  basis  of  weights 
and  measures  might  produce  serious  embarrassments. 

The  resolution  further  inquires,  "  What  objections  there  are,  if  any,  to  making  the 
metrical  system  obligatory  in  all  transactions  between  individuals;  and  what  is  the 
earliest  date  that  can  be  set  for  the  obligatory  use  of  the  metrical  system  throughout 
the  United  States  ?"  To  the  first  part  of  this  question  one  general  and  comprehensive 
answer  may,  I  think,  be  given — that  the  only  objection  is  the  inconvenience  of  making 
the  change.  The  magnitude  of  this  objection  is  a  purely  practical  question,  which 
legislators  are,  of  all  men,  probably  the  most  competent  to  estimate  correctly. 

In  all  business  transactions  relating  to  machinery  and  architecture,  and  in  the  prac- 
tical use  of  the  metric  system  in  these  industries,  the  inconvenience  will  be  great.  In 
land  measures  its  introduction  will  but  slightly  inconvenience  the  people  at  large,  for 
the  measurement  of  land  is  practically  relegated  to  skilled  persons,  as  engineers  and 
snrve^  )rs;  and  the  conveyancing  of  lands  to  persons  skilled  in  that  branch  of  busi- 
ness. 

These  examples  will  illustrate  the  nature  of  the  problem  to  be  solved.  It  is  one  of 
exceeding  complexity,  attecting  many  interests  in  diverse  ways,  and  I  deem  it  wise  to 
postpone  the  subject  of  making  the  new  system  obligatory  between  individuals  to 
some  future  time,  until  experience  in  its  practical  use  by  the  government  shall  more 
f nlly  demonstrate  the  many  advantages  to  be  derived  therefrom. 

If  the  general  use  of  this  system  is  eventually  compelled  by  law,  it  will  be  reasona- 
ble to  retain  for  a  considerable  time  the  legality  of  both  systems  prior  to  the  last  step 
in  the  transition.  This  will  involve  a  contemporaneous  use  of  the  two  systems,  in 
itself  a  serious  inconvenience.  This,  however,  is  obviously  a  part  of  the  price  which 
the  government  and  people  will  be  compelled  to  pay  for  ultimate  accomplishment  of 
«  good  work. 

In  the  above  statement  the  wisdom  of  adopting  the  metric  system  is  postulated.  As 
long  as  we  have  a  denary  or  decimal  system  of  numeration,  a  decimal  system  of 
weights  and  measures  is  the  most  simple  and  convenient.  Improvements  might  be 
suggested  in  the  new  system,  as  a  decimal  system,  but  from  the  fact  that  such  improve- 
ments  are  of  minor  importance,  and  the  further  fact  it  is  adopted  already  by  some 
great  and  enlightened  nations,  these  considerations  have  slight  weight,  and  an  at- 
tempt to  introduce  a  new  system  of  numeration  as  well  as  a  new  system  of  weights 
and  measures  would  be  a  change  of  such  magnitude  that  it  may  be  well  at  present  to 
consider  it  impracticable. 

I  am,  with  great  respect,  your  obedient  servant, 

J.  W.  POWELL, 
In  Charge  United  States  Geographical  and  G&ilogiral  Survey, 

Rocky  Mountain  Region, 

Hon.  Carl  Schurz, 

Secretary  of  the  Interior, 


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CHAPTER  IV. 

CORRESPONDENCE  OF  STATE  DEPARTMENT  IN  RELATION 

TO  METRIC  SYSTEM. 

Messaqc  from  the  President  of  the  United  States,  tran>imitting  a  communication  from  the 
Secretary  of  State  in  response  to  a  resolution  of  the  Mouse  of  Representatives  in  relation  to 
the  convention  for  establishing  an  International  Bureau  of  Weights  and  Measures. 

June  11, 1878.— Referred  to  the  Committee  on  Coinage,  Weights,  and  Measures  and 

ordered  to  be  printed. 

To  the  House  of  Representatives  : 

In  answer  to  a  resolution  of  the  House  of  Representatives  of  the  27th  May,  ultimo, 
I  transmit  the  response  of  the  Secretary  of  State,  accompanied  by  a  copy  of  the  papers 
called  for  by  the  resolution.  ^   HAYES 

Washington,  June  11, 1878. 

Department  of  State, 
Washington,  June  10,  1878. 

The  Secretary  of  State,  to  whom  was  referred  the  resolution  of  the  House  of  Rep- 
resentatives, passed  on  the  27th  ultimo,  requesting  him  to  communicate  to  that  House 
"the  papers  relative  to  the  convention  for  establishing  an  International  iJureau  of 
Weights  and  Measures,  lately  ratified  by  the  Senate,"  has  the  honor  to  lay  before  the 
President  copies  of  the  papers  called  for  in  that  resolution,  a  list  of  which  is  hereto 
annexed. 

Respectfully  submitted.  ^^   ^   EVARTS. 

The  President. 


List  of  papers. 

No.  1.  Metric  convention,  signed  at  Paris,  May  20, 187.5.    (Translation.)    [See  pp. 

36-42  ] 
No.*2.  Mr.  Hilgard  to  Mr.  Fish.    December  13,  1872.    [See  pp.  46-48.] 
No.  3.  Marquis  de  Noailles  to  Mr.  Fish.    Washington,  January  10,  1873.    (With  an 

inclosure.)  ,  _.   -,^„     ,«t.xi-        •     i 

No.  4.  Mr.  Boutwell  to  Mr.  Fish.    Washington,  January  30,  1873.    (With  an  mclo- 

No.  5.  Marquis  de  Noailles  to  Mr.  Fish.    Washington,  February  15, 1873.    (With  an 

inclosure.)  _    ,  .  ,,      ,  ,..  ,^o     ,«  •     i  \ 

No.  6.  Mr.  Richardson  to  Mr.  Fish.    Washington,  March  15, 1873.    (3  inclosures.) 

No.  7.  The  same  to  the  same.    Washington,  June  18,  1873. 

No.  8.  Marquis  de  Noailles  to  Mr.  Fish.    Washington,  December  22,  1873. 

No.  9.  Mr.  Davis  to  Mr.  Richardson.    Washington,  January  3,  1874. 

No.  10.  Mr.  Richardson  to  Mr.  Fish.    Washington,  February  6, 1874.    (With  an  m- 

closure  ^ 
No  11.  Professor  Hilgard  to  Mr.  Fish.    Washington,  September  15, 1874.    [Extract.] 
No!  12.  Mr.  Cadwalader  to  Mr.  Bristow.     Washington,  September  23,  1874.    [Ex- 

^No.  13.  Mr.  Bristow  to  Mr.  Fish.    Washington,  October  24, 1874.    (With  an  inclo- 

No.  14.  Mr.  Cadwalader  to  Mr.  Bristow.    Washington,  November  4,  1874. 
No.  15.  Mr.  Bartholdi  to  Mr.  Fish.    Washington,  November  23,  1874. 
No.  16.  Mr.  Fish  to  Mr.  Bristow.    Washington,  November  30,  1874. 
No.  17.  Mr.  Bristow  to  Mr.  Fish.  Washington,  January  9, 1875.    (With  an  inclosure.) 
No.  18.  Mr.  Fish  to  Mr.  Bristow.    Washington,  January  13,  1875.  ,«  to^r 

No.  19.  Professors  Henry  and  Hilgard  to  Mr.  Fish.    Washington,  January  13,  187o. 
With  a  memorandum  inclosed.) 
No.  20.  Mr.  Bristow  to  Mr.  Fish.    Washington,  January  16,  1875. 


124 


METRIC    SYSTEM. 


METRIC    SYSTEM. 


125 


No.  21.  Mr.  Fish  to  Mr.  Bartholdi.    WashiDgton,  January  18, 1875. 

No.  22.  Mr.  Fish  to  Mr.  Washbarne.    No.  670.    Washington,  January  19,  1875. 

No.  23.  Mr.  Fish  to  Mr.  Bristow.    Washington,  January  22,  1875. 

No.  24.  Mr.  Washburne  to  Mr.  Fish.    No.  10il4.    Paris,  Febraarv  2, 1875. 

No.  25.  Mr.  Bartholdi  to  Mr.  Fish.    Washington,  February  20,  1875. 

No.  26.  Mr.  Washburne  to  Mr.  Fish.    No.  1110.    Paris,  March  1,  1875.    (With  an  in- 
closnre.) 

No.  27.  The  same  to  the  same.    No.  1116.     Paris,  March  15, 1875.  (With  an  inclosure.) 

No.  28.  The  same  to  the  same.    No  1124.    Paris,  March  26,  1875.   (With  an  inclosure.) 

No.  29.  The  same  to  the  same.    No.  1127.    Paris,  April  H,  1875.    (With  an  inclosure.) 

No.  30.  The  same  to  the  same.    No.  1131.    Paris,  April  14,  1875. 

No.  31.  The  same  to  the  same.    No.  1134.    Paris,  April  16,  1875. 

No.  32.  Mr.  Bristow  to  Mr.  Fish.    Washington,  April  17,  1875.     (With  an  inclosure.) 

No.  33.  Mr.  Fish  to  Mr.  Bristow.     Washington,  April  24,  1875. 

No.  ;U.  Mr.  Washburne  to  Mr.  Fish.    No.  1140.    Paris,  April  29,  1875.    (With  an  in- 
closure.) 

No.  '35.  Professor  Hilgar  to  Mr.  Cadwalader.    Washington,  May  3,  1875.     (With  in- 
closed copy  of  resolutions  of  the  National  Academy  of  Sciences,  April  22,  1-^75.) 

No.  3().  Mr.  Conant  to  Mr.  Fish.     Washington,  May  5,  1875. 

No.  37.  Mr.  Fish  to  Mr.  Bristow.    Washington,  Mav  8,  1875. 

No.  38.  Mr.  Cadwalader  to  Mr.  Washburne.    No.  700.    May  11, 1875. 

No.  39.  Mr.  Bristow  to  Mr.  Fish.    Washington,  May  14,  1875. 

No.  40.  Mr.  Fish  to  Mr.  Washburne.    Telegram.     VVashington,  May  17,  1875. 

No.  41.  Mr.  Fish  to  Mr.  Bristow,     Washington,  May  18,  1875. 

No.  42.  Mr.  Washburne  to  Mr.  Fish.    No.  1167.    Paris,  May  28,  1875.    (With  an  in- 
closlire.) 

No.  43.  The  same  to  the  same.     No.  1169.    Paris,  May  28,  1875. 

No.  44.  Mr.  Cadwalader  to  Mr.  Washburne.    No.  713.    Washington,  June  11,  1875. 

No.  45.  Mr.  Hitt  to  Mr.  Fish.  No.  1264.  Paris,  December  10,  1875.  (With  an  in- 
closure.) 

No.  46.  Mr.  Bristow  to  Mr.  Fish.  Washington,  December  17,  1875.  (With  an  in 
closure.) 

No.  47.  Mr.  Fish  to  Mr.  Hitt.    Telegram.    Washington,  December  18,  1875. 

No.  48.  Mr.  Hitt  to  Mr.  Fish.    Telegram.     Paris,  December  19,  ld75. 

No.  49.  The  same  to  the  same.  No.  1270.  Paris,  December  20,  1875.  (With  an  in- 
closure.) 

No.  50.  Mr.  Cadwalader  to  Mr.  Bristow.    Washington,  December  28,  1875. 

No.  51.  Mr.  Cadwalader  to  Mr.  Hitt.    No.  770.     Washington,  December  28,  1875. 

No.  52.  Mr.  Washburne  to  Mr.  Fish.    No.  1284.    Paris,  February  4, 1H76. 

No.  53.  Mr.  Fish  to  Mr.  Bristow.    Washington,  February  17,  1876.     [See  p.  .59.] 

No.  54.  Mr.  Bristow  to  Mr.  Fish.  Washington,  March  6,  1876.  (With-inclosures.) 
[See  p.  60.] 

No.  55.  The  same  to  the  same.    Washington,  March  6,  1875.    (With  an  inclosure.) 

No.  5(i.  Mr.  Fish  to  Mr.  Washburne.    No.  787.     Washington,  March  8, 1876. 

No.  57.  Mr.  Fish  to  Mr.  Bristow.    Washington,  March  9,  1876. 

No.  58.  Mr.  Washburne  to  Mr,  Fish.    No.  1372.    Paris,  September  21,  1876. 

No.  59.  Mr.  Morrill  to  Mr.  Fish.    Washington,  October  20, 1876.    ( With  an  inclosure. ) 

No.  60.  Mr.  Cadwalader  to  Mr.  Washburne.     No.  848.    Washington,  October  25, 1876. 

No.  61.  Mr.  Washburne  to  Mr.  Fish.     No.  1404.    Paris,  November  15,  1876. 
»  No.  62.  General  Noyes  to  Mr.  Evarts.    No.  52.    Paris,  January  15,  1878.    (With  in- 
closures. ) 

No.  63.  The  same  to  the  same.  No.  63.  Paris,  February  22,  1878.  (With  inclos- 
ures.) 

No.  64.  Mr.  Oatrey  to  Mr.  Evarts.  Washington,  March  6,  1878.  (With  an  inclos- 
ure.) 

No.  65.  Mr.  Evarts  to  Mr.  Outrey.    Washington,  March  25,  1878. 

No.  6i).  Mr.  Evarts  to  General  Noyes.    No.  43.    Washington,  March  27,  1878. 

No.  67.  Mr.  Sherman  to  Mr.  Evarts.  Washington,  March  29,  1878.  (With  an  in- 
closure.) 

No.  3. 

Marquis  de  XoaiUeM  to  Mr.  Fish. 
[Translation.] 

Legation  of  France, 
Washingion,  January  10,  1873.    (Received  January  11.) 

Mr.  Secretary  of  State  :  I  have  the  honor  to  transmit  to  your  excellency  the 
inclosed  dispatch,  which  has  just  been  sent  to  me  by  the  minister  of  foreign  affairs  of 
the  French  Republic. 


i    V 


* 

i 


~i  I  >" 


i:  y 


-/ 


V 


The  French  section,  which  has  been  intrusted  by  the  International  Metre  Commis- 
sion with  the  preparation  of  the  standard  metres  and  kilogrammes  which  will  be 
needed  by  the  various  governments  represented  in  said  commission,  desires  to  know 
how  many  of  these  standards  it  must  have  made.  The  minister  of  agriculture  and 
commerce  therefore  wishes  to  know  the  number  of  metres  a  traits  or  nii'tres  a  bouts,* 
as  also  the  number  of  kilograms  of  iridized  platinum  which  the  Government  of  the 
United  States  requires. 

The  price  of  a  metre  will  probably  not  exceed  four  thousand  francs,  nor  that  of  a 
kilogramme  fifteen  hundred  francs. 

I  shall  be  happy,  Mr.  Secretary  of  State,  to  place  myself  at  the  service  of  your  ex- 
cellency in  order  to  transmit  the  reply  which  it  may  please  your  excellency  to  make 
on  this  subject  to  the  department  of  foreign  affairs  of  France. 

Be  pleased  to  accept,  Mr.  Secretary  of  State,  the  assurances  of  my  very  high  con- 
sideration. 

MARQUIS  DE  NOAILLES. 

Count  De  Bemusat  to  Marquis  de  XoaiUes. 

[Translation.] 

Ministry  of  Foreign  Affairs, 
Di\  isiON  of  Consulates  and  Commercial  Affairs, 

Versailles,  December  6,  1872. 

Sir  :  The  French  section,  which  has  been  intrusted  by  the  international  metre  com- 
mission with  the  preparation  of  the  standard  metres  and  kilogrammes  which  will  be 
needed  by  the  various  governments  represented  in  said  commission,  desires  to  know 
how  many  of  these  standards  it  must  have  made. 

I  will  therefore  thank  you,  sir,  to  enable  me  to  comply  with  the  request  addressed 
to  me  by  the  minister  of  agriculture  and  commerce,  by  informing  me  as  soon  as  possi- 
ble of  the  number  of  metres,  whether  a  traita  or  a  bouts,  and  also  of  the  number  of  kilo- 
grammes of  iridized  platinum,  which  will  be  required  by  the  Federal  Government. 

The  price  of  a  metre  will  probably  not  exceed,  all  expenses  included,  the  sum  of 
4,000  francs,  and  the  price  of  a  kilogramme  will  probably  not  exceed  1,. 500  francs.  M. 
Teisserenc  de  Bort  adds  that  the  sums  whereby  payment  is  to  l>e  made  for  standards 
must  be  placed  at  the  disposal  of  the  French  Government,  so  that  the  orders  for  pay- 
ment may  be  delivered  by  the  minister  of  commerce  according  to  the  method  adopted 
for  the  expenses  hitherto  incurred  by  the  metre  commission. 
Receive,  sir,  &c., 

RfiMUSAT. 


No.  4. 


Mr.  Boatwell  to  Mr,  Fish. 

Treasury  Department, 

January  30,  1873. 

Sir  :  I  have  the  honor  to  acknowledge  the  receipt  of  the  communication  of  the  hon- 
orable the  Secretary  of  State,  dated  the  17th  instant,  covering  translation  of  a  note 
from  the  Marquis  de  Noailles,  the  French  minister  (with  accompaniment),  in  which 
inquiry  is  made  in  regard  to  the  number  of  standard  metres  and  kilogrammes  prepared 
by  the  International  Metric  Commission  that  will  be  required  for  the  use  of  this  gov- 
ernment, and  requesting  that  this  department  furnish  at  its  earliest  convenience 
such  information  as  will  enable  the  Department  of  State  to  answer  the  inquiry  re- 
ferred to  above.  In  reply,  I  respectfully  transmit  a  copy  of  a  communication  from 
Prof.  J.  E.  Hilgard,  assistant  superintendent  of  weights  and  measures,  received  at  this 
Department  in  response  to  an  inquiry  addressed  to  that  office  upon  the  subject,  from 
which  it  appears  that  a  single  copy  of  each  standard  will  be  sufficient,  to  wit : 

One  metre  a  traits  (or  metre  defined  by  lines) ; 

One  metre  d  bouts  (or  metre  defined  by  its  ends) ; 

One  kilogramme ; 
And  that  the  estimated  expense  of  these  standards  will  be  about  $2,000,  which  can  be 
met  from  the  amount  of  $12,000  for  the  construction  of  metric  standards  for  distribu- 
tion to  the  several  States,  included  in  the  estimates  for  the  next  fiscal  year. 
Very  respectfully, 

GEO.  S.  BOUTWELL, 

Secretary. 

*  The  mHre  d  traits  is  the  new  standard  form,  being  a  plate  of  platinum  with  two  microscopic  lines 
(traits)  marked  thereon  one  meter  apart ;  the  old  mitre  d  boutt  is  merely  a  rod  of  platinum  one  meter  in 
length,  with  flat  ends  (&outo).— Translator. 


126 


METRIC    SYSTEM. 


i 


METRIC    SYSTEM. 


127 


flnclosnre.] 

Mr.  HUgaril  to  Mr.  BontnrU. 

Treasury  Department, 
Office  of  Weights  and  Measures, 
Washhiffloii,  D.  C,  January  27,  1873. 

Sir :  With  reference  to  your  letter  of  the  2l8t  instant  (S.  I.  K.),  making;  iuqairy  as 
to  the  number  of  the  new  metric  standards  about  to  be  prepared  by  the  International 
Metric  Commission  that  will  be  required  by  the  Gavernment  of  the  United  States,  I 
have  the  honor  to  state  that  a  single  copy  of  each  standard  will  be  sufficient,  viz : 
One  metre  a  trait  (or  metre  defined  by  lines). 
One  metre  a  hout  (or  metre  defined  by  its  ends). 
One  kilogramme. 

The  estimated  expense  of  these  standards  will  be  abont  $2,000,  which  can  be  met 
from  the  amount  of  $12,000  for  the  construction  of  metric  standards  for  distribution 
to  the  several  States,  included  in  the  estimates  for  the  next  fiscal  year. 
Very  respectfully, 

J.  E.  HILGARD, 
Assistant  Superintendent  of  Weights  and  Measures. 

The  inclosures  are  herewith  returned. 


No.  5. 


Marquis  de  Xoailles  to  Mr.  Fish. 


[Translation.] 
Wanhinyton,  February  15,  1873, 


Legation  of  France, 
(Received  February  18.) 

The  International  Standard  Commission  adopted  a  series  of  resolutions  at  its  last 
meeting,  among  them  those  contained  in  the  inclosed  note,  the  object  of  which  is  to 
secure  the  establishment  at  Paris  of  an  International  Bureau  of  Weights  and  Meas- 
ures. 

In  accordance  with  the  instructions  contained  in  paragraph  xxxvii  the  standing  com- 
mittee appointed  by  the  standard  commission  has  addressed  the  minister  of  agriculture 
and  commerce  for  the  purpose  of  securing  through  the  mediation  of  the  French  Gov- 
ernment  the  creation  of  an  International  Bureau  of  Weights  and  Measures  on  the  basis 
stated  by  the  commission  itself. 

The  minister  of  agriculture  and  commerce  has  caused  an  approximate  estimate  to 
be  made  of  the  expense  which  would  be  necessary  for  the  creation  of  the  bureau,  and 
also  of  the  amount  which  would  annually  be  required  for  its  maintenance.  It  appears 
from  the  statements  which  have  been  furnished  to  him  that,  even  if  it  should  be  found 
necessary  to  establish  the  proposed  bureau  in  a  special  building,  the  cost  of  construc- 
tion, together  with  that  of  an  appropriate  site,  and  of  the  necessary  instruments,  would 
probably  not  exceed  500,000  francs.  The  amount  annually  required  for  salaries,  &c., 
would,  it  is  thought,  be  from  fifty  to  sixty  thousand  francs. 

The  French  Government  having  been  specially  requested  to  bring  the  inclosed  reso- 
lutions to  the  notice  of  the  various  conntries  interested,  I  have  the  honor  to  commend 
them  to  your  excellency's  attention,  begging  you  to  be  pleased  to  inform  me  whether 
the  Government  of  the  United  States  gives  its  adhesion  to  the  principle  therein  in- 
volved. If  so,  there  would  doubtless  be  ground  for  the  conclusion  of  a  diplomatic 
convention  to  establish  the  conditions  for  the  working  of  the  international  bureau,  in 
conformity  with  the  proposition  of  the  commission,  and  to  fix  the  share  to  be  paid  by 
each  country  of  the  expense  of  building  and  maintenance,  a  regular  estimate  of  which 
expense  would  probably  be  prepared. 

1  shall  be  grateful  to  you,  Mr.  Secretary  of  State,  if  you  will  be  pleased  to  inform 
me,  as  soon  as  possible,  of  the  opinion  entertained  by  the  Federal  Government  of  the 
proposition  which  I  have  hereby  had  the  honor  to  submit  to  your  excellency. 

Be  pleased  to  accept,  &c. 

MARQUIS  DE  NOAILLES. 

[Tnclosnre.— Extract. — Translation.] 

XXXVI.  The  international  commis.sion  calls  the  attention  of  the  governments  inter- 
ested to  the  great  advantage  which  would  accrue  fiom  the  establishment  at  Paris 
an  International  Bureau  of  Weights  and  Measures,  on  the  following  basis: 

1.  The  establishment  shall  be  international  and  shall  be  declared  neutral. 

2.  Its  seat  shall  be  at  Paris. 


-^   V 


i' 


^^  I  > 


i\y 


V 


3.  It  shall  be  founded  and  supported  at  the  common  expense  of  all  the  countries 
■which  shall  become  parties  to  the  treaty  to  be  made,  for  the  creation  of  the  bureau  by 
the  countries  interested. 

4.  The  establishment  shall  be  a  dependency  of  the  International  Standard  Commis- 
sion, and  shall  be  under  the  surveillance  of  the  standing  committee,  which  shall  ap- 
point its  director. 

5.  The  international  bureau  will  have  the  following  functions : 

A.— To  be  at  the  disposal  of  the  standing  committee  for  the  comparisons  which  are 
to  serve  as  a  basis  for  the  verification  of  the  new  prototypes,  of  which  the  committee 
has  charge. 

B. — To  preserve  the  international  prototypes  according  to  the  orders  of  the  interna- 
tionjil  commission. 

C— To  make  periodical  comparisons  of  the  international  prototypes  with  the  national 
standards,  and  with  the  test  standards,  and  als )  to  compare  the  standard  thermometers 
according  to  the  rules  established  by  the  commission. 

D. — To  attend  to  the  manufacture  and  verification  of  the  standards  which  may  here- 
after be  required  by  other  countries. 

E.— To  compare  the  new  metric  prototypes  with  the  other  fundamental  standards 
used  in  the  different  countries  and  in  the  sciences. 

F. — To  compare  such  standards  and  balances  as  may  be  sent  for  its  inspection  by 
governments  or  learned  societies,  or  even  by  artists  and  men  of  science. 

G.— The  bureau  shall  perform  all  operations  that  may  be  required  by  the  commis- 
sion or  its  standing  committee  in  the  interest  of  meteorology  and  of  the  propagation  oi 
the  metric  system.     (Commission,  VII.) 

XXXVII.  The  bureau  of  the  international  commission  is  instructed  to  address  the 
French  Government  requesting  it  to  communicate,  through  its  diplomatic  representa- 
tives, the  recommendation  of  the  commission  in  regard  to  the  creation  of  an  Interna- 
tional Bureau  of  Weights  and  Measures  to  the  governments  of  all  the  countries  repre- 
sented in  the  commission,  and  also  requesting  it  to  solicit  these  governments  to  conclude 
a  treaty  for  the  establishment,  by  general  concurrence  and  with  the  least  possible  de- 
lay, of  an  International  Bureau  of  Weights  and  Measures  on  the  basis  proposed  by  the 
commission.    (Commission  VII.) 


No.  6. 


y 


Mr.  Richardson  to  Mr.  Fish, 

Treasury  Department, 
Washington,  D.  C,  March  15,  1873.     (Received  March  17.) 

Sir  :  I  have  the  honor  to  acknowledge  the  receipt  of  a  letter  from  the  Department 
of  State,  dated  the  22d  of  February  last,  inclosing  a  translation  of  a  note  from  the 
French  minister,  and  of  a  series  of  resolutions  adopted  by  the  International  Standard 
Commission,  relating  to  the  establishment  at  Paris  of  an  International  Bureau  of 
Weights  and  Measures,  and  desiring  any  suggestions  upon  the  subject  which  this  de- 
partment might  think  proper  to  communicate. 

In  reply,  I  have  respectfully  to  inform  you  that  the  translation  of  the  papers  referred 
to  was,  on  the  25th  ultimo,  referred  by  this  department  to  the  Superintendent  of  Weights 
and  Measures  for  the  United  States*  and  was  by  him  returned  on  the  (ith  instant,  with 
a  letter  (a  copy  of  which  is  inclosed  herewith)  expressing  his  entire  approval  of  the 
proposition,  and  suggesting  that  it  be  entertained  by  our  government,  certain  condi- 
tions being  carefully  guarded. 

The  papers  were  subsequently,  at  the  suggestion  of  the  Superintendent  of  Weights 
and  Measures,  referred  to  Prof.  .Joseph  Henry,  president  of  the  National  Academy  of 
Sciences,  and  have  been  received  back  from  the  latter  with  a  letter,  a  copy  of  which 
is  herewith  inclosed,  from  which  it  appears  that  the  subject  will  be  considered  by  a 
committee  of  the  academy  above  named. 

When  the  report  of  that  committee  is  received  at  this  department  a  copy  will  be 

transmitted  to  the  Department  of  State. 

I  am,  &c. 

WM.  A.  RICHARDSON. 


128 


METRIC    SYSTEM. 


METRIC   SYSTEM. 


129 


No.8. 

[Translation.] 
llie  Marquis  ih  XoaiUi'S  to  Mr.  Fish. 

Legation  of  France  in  the  United  States, 

Washington,  Jkcemher  22,  1873. 

Mr.  Secketary  of  State:  In  obedience  to  instructions  which  I  have  just  received 
from  the  ministrj'  of  foreign  affairs  (direction  of  consulates  and  commercial  affairs),  I 
have  the  honor  to  transmit  to  your  excellency  two  copies  of  the  reports*  of  the  ses- 
sions held  by  the  permanent  committee  appointed  to  direct  and  superintend  the  exe- 
cution of  the  resolutions  of  the  international  commission,  concerning  the  comparison 
of  the  new  metrical  standards  with  each  other,  and  the  manufacture  of  apparatus  to 
be  used  in  making  such  comparisons.  This  permanent  committee,  which  was  appointed 
by  the  International  Meter  Commission,  which  satin  Paris  in  the  months  of  September 
and  October  of  last  year,  and  was  composed  of  members  all  belonging  to  different  na- 
tionalities, met  on  the  1st  of  last  month,  in  obedience  to  the  call  of  its  president.  Gen- 
eral Ibanez. 

In  addressing  this  communication  to  yonr  excellency  I  am  specially  instructed  to 
call  the  attention  of  the  Federal  Government  to  the  proposition  presented  by  General 
Ibanez  during  the  session  of  October  30  (page  10  of  the  reports).  This  proposition, 
which  was  unanimously  adopted  by  the  committee,  is  as  follows  : 

"The  permanent  committee,  after  having  taken  cognizance  of  the  extended  report 
addressed  to  it  by  the  French  section  on  the  state  of  advancement  of  its  labors,  think- 
ing that  it  is  not  proper  that  France  alone  should  bear  the  expense  of  this  work,  which 
is  for  the  general  benefit,  deems  it  to  be  its  duty  to  endeavor  to  bring  about  the  forma- 
tion of  a  diplomatic  conference,  to  take  the  necessary  measures  to  enable  the  committee 
to  make  the  numerous  comparisons  which  it  is  incumbent  upon  it  to  make.  Such  a 
conference  would  insure,  moreover,  the  preservation  of  the  international  standards  and 
the  making  of  such  further  comparisons  of  the  meters  and  kilograms  as  might  be  de- 
sired by  the  various  governments. 

"  The  committee  therefore  resolves  that  its  bureau  shall  address  the  French  Govern- 
ment, with  a  view  to  securing  the  speedy  convocation  of  such  a  conference  at  Paris." 

The  minister  of  commerce  of  France,  to  whom  this  proposition  was  directly  trans- 
mitted (p.  24  of  the  reports),  is  disposed,  so  far  as  he  is  concerned,  to  give  it  his  full 
adhesion.  The  French  Government,  however,  thinks  that  it  is  but  its  duty  to  state 
the  meaning,  which,  in  its  opinion,  should  be  attached  to  the  expression  "  diplomatic 
conference,"  which  is  used  by  the  permanent  committee.  In  the  view  of  the  French. 
Government,  it  being  the  province  of  this  conference  to  settle  all  questions.touching  the 
preservation  of  metric  standards,  and  the  method  of  execution  of  the  comparisons 
which  are  to  be  made,  it  could  only  be  composed  of  special  delegates  having  full  au- 
thority and  competency  to  fulfill  this  mission;  these  delegates  would  be  clothed  with 
the  necessary  powers  to  prepare  the  draught  of  a  convention  to  be  ratified  subsequently, 
according  to  diplomatic  usages. 

Under  the  limitation  of  this  observance  of  pure  form,  the  French  Government  will 
be  glad  to  be  informed  whether  the  Government  of  the  United  States  is  disposed  to 
comply  with  the  wishes  of  the  permanant  committee,  which  the  latter  has  requested 
it  to  bring  to  the  notice  of  all  tne  states  represented  in  the  International  Meter  Com- 
mission. 

Be  pleased  to  accept,  Mr.  Secretary  of  State,  the  assurance  of  my  very  high  consid- 
eration. 

MARQUIS  DE  N0AILLE8. 


^  y 


that  a  conference  composed  of  delegates  from  all  the  states  represented  in  the  purposes 
above  indicated. 

Requesting  the  return  of  the  inclosed  report,  with  an  expression  of  your  views  re- 
garding such  conference, 

I  have  the  honor  to  be,  sir,  your  obedient  servant, 

J.  C.  B.  DAVIS. 
Hon.  Wm.  a.  Richardson, 

Secretary  of  the  Treasury. 


^ 


No.  10. 


No.  9. 


i  I  >- 


> 


i 


Mr.  Davit  to  Mr.  Richardson. 

Department  of  State, 

If'ashington,  January  3,  1874. 

Sir:  I  have  the  honor  to  inclose  herewith  a  copy  in  translation  of  a  note  of  the  22d 
ultimo  from  the  French  minister,  and  its  accompanying  copy  of  a  report  of  the  inter- 
national commission,  concerning  the  comparison  of  the  new  metrical  standards,  and 
the  manafactare of  apparatus  to  be  used  in  making  such  comparisons;  and  proposing 

*  Pamphleta,  not  translated. 


Mr.  Richardson  to  Mr.  Fish. 

Treasury  Department, 
Washington,  D.  C.  February  6, 1874.    (Received  February  7.) 

Sir:  I  have  the  honor  to  acknowledge  the  receipt  of  the  letter  from  the  Department 
of  State  of  the  3d  ultimo,  covering  copy  of  a  note  from  the  French  minister  accompa- 
nying the  report  of  the  standing  committee  of  the  International  Metric  Commission, 
relative  to  comparison  of  new  metric  standards  and  apparatus  for  same,  in  which  he 
proposes  a  conference  at  Paris  of  delegates  from  all  states  represented  in  the  commis- 
sion, and  referring  to  former  correspondence  between  the  Secretary  of  State  and  this 
department  on  the  subject,  with  request  that  any  further  suggestions  or  recommenda- 
tions which  it  may  be  deemed  advisable  to  make  be  communicated. 

I  have  respectfully  to  inform  you,  in  reply,  that  the  report  and  accompanying  pa- 
pers, having  been  transmitted  to  the  Superintendent  of  Weights  and  Measures,  with 
instructions  to  take  action  agreeably  to  the  request  of  the  State  Department  above 
recited,  have  been  returned  to  this  department  with  a  letter  from  Prof.  J.  E.  Hilgard, 
Assistant  Superintendent  of  Weights  and  Measures,  of  the  2d  instant,  herewith  in- 
closed, in  which  he  reviews  the  correspondence  and  action  heretofore  had  in  the  matter, 
restates  the  main  points  of  the  subject,  transmits  copy  of  letter  from  Professor  Peirce 
relative  thereto,  and  submits  a  recommendation  that  two  metres  a  trait  be  asked  for 
instead  of  one,  as  recommended  in  his  letter  of  January  27,  1873. 

I  have  to  add  that  this  department  concurs  in  the  recommendations  and  suggestions 
contained  in  the  letter  of  Professor  Hilgard,  dated  the  2d  instant,  above  referred  to, 
and  1  return  the  report  as  requested  and  transmit  copies  of  letters  of  Professor  Peirce, 
of  March  6,*  1873,  Professor  Hilgard,  of  January  27, 1873,  and  this  department,  of  Jan- 
uary 30, 1873,t  for  the  information  of  the  Department  of  State. 
I  am,  (&c., 

WM.  A.  RICHARDSON. 


[Inclosure.] 
Mr.  Hilgard  to  Mr.  Richardson. 

Treasury  Department, 
Office  of  United  States  Weights  and  Measures, 

Washington,  D.  C,  February  2,  1874. 

Sir:  In  reply  to  your  letters  of  January  9  and  14  (S.  I.  K.),  transmitting  communica- 
tions from  the  Secretary  of  State,  underdateof  January  3  and  13,  relating  to  the  construc- 
tion of  international  metric  standards,  I  have  the  honor,  by  direction  of  Professor 
Peirce,  to  submit  the  following  statements,  pretivisinx  that  in  my  quality  as  a  member 
of  the  standing  committee  of  the  International  Metric  Commission,  I  am  specially  in- 
formed of  the  circumstances  that  lead  to  the  inquiry  of  the  Secretary  of  State. 

1.  The  proposition  for  a  diplomatic  conference  with  the  view  to  the  establishment  of 
an  International  Bureau  of  Weights  and  Measures  at  Paris,  transmitted  by  the  minis- 
ter of  Frauce  to  the  Department  of  State,  under  date  of  February  15,  1873,  was  favor- 
ably reported  upon  by  the  Siiperintendeut  of  Weights  and  Measures  (March  6,  1873) 
and  by  the  National  Academy  of  Sciences,  whose  report  was  adopted  by  the  Treasury 
Department. 

2.  The  proposition  referred  to  did  not,  in  the  definite  form  in  which  it  was  aub- 
mitted,  meet  with  the  assent  of  a  sufficient  number  of  states  to  warrant  its  being  pro- 
ceeded with.  The  standing  committee,  therefore,  at  its  late  session  at  Paris,  in  Octo- 
ber, 1873,  prepared  the  i^roposition  now  submitted,  which  leaves  more  freedom  to  the 
diplomatic  conference,  while  it  has  the  same  objects  in  view,  viz,  the  safe-keeping  of 

*  See  Document  Ko.  6.       t  See  Document  No.  4. 


H.  Rep.  14 9 


130 


METRIC   SYSTEM. 


V 


METRIC    8TSTEM. 


131 


the  international  standards  at  the  common  charge,  and  their  accessibility  for  future 
reference. 

3.  The  present  proposition  being  only  a  repetition  of  the  previous  one  in  a  similar 
form,  this  office  repeats  its  recommendation  that  it  be  agreed  to  by  our  government, 
and  would  particularly  refer  to  the  letter  of  Professor  Peirce  of  March  6, 1873,  a  copy 
of  which  is  appended,  for  the  motives  leading  to  that  conclusion. 

4.  The  necessity  for  special  delegates,  insisted  upon  by  the  French  Government,  is 
not  very  apparent.  The  purpose  of  the  conference,  as  proposed  by  the  standing  com- 
mittee, is  to  provide  in  general  for  the  ways  and  means  of  securing  the  objects  of  the 
International  Metric  Commission,  not  to  prescribe  the  details  of  comparison  and  safe- 
keeping, which  were  already  determined  on  by  the  lutematioual  Commission  in  Octo- 
ber, 187'-i,  whose  standing  committee  have  full  power  in  regard  to  scientific  details. 

The  American  minister  in  Paris,  provided  with  a  memorandum,  which  the  present 
writer  would  prepare  for  his  information,  would  doubtless  be  able  to  deal  understand- 
ingly  with  all  questions  thac  could  properly  be  disposed  of  by  the  proposed  conference. 
In  that  case  we  may  presume,  as  heretofore  (see  my  letter  of  July  3,  1873),  that  the 
diplomatic  conference  itself  will  cause  no  special  expenditure. 

5.  As  to  subsequent  expenditure,  this  office  is  already  instructed  by  the  Secretary  of 
the  Treasury  to  ask  for  an  appropriation  of  $12,000  for  anticipated  treaty  obligations, 
which  instruction  will  be  acted  on  whenever  the  proposed  arrangements  have  taken 
official  form. 

6.  With  reference  to  my  letter  dated  Jannary  27,  1873,  a  copy  of  which  is  asked  for 
by  the  Department  of  State,  and  which  specifies  the  standards  desired  for  the  use  of 
this  government,  I  take  leave  to  change  the  recommendation  of  this  office  to  the  effect 
that  two  metres  a  trait  be  asked  for  instead  of  one,  for  the  reason  that  whenever  it  be- 
comes desirahle  to  transport  our  standard  metre  to  Europe  for  comparison  with  the 
international  standard,  it  will  be  necessary  to  retain  an  identical  copy  as  a  check 
against  the  accidents  of  transportation,  and  it  would  be  utterly  impracticable  to  man- 
ufacture a  similar  standard  in  this  country. 

All  of  which  is  respectfully  submitted. 

J.  E.  HILGARD, 
Assistant  Superintendent  ^Feights  and  Measures. 


^  y 


the  metric  question,  should  be  replied  to.  The  Treasury  Department  was  informed  of 
that  proposition  by  the  letter  of  the  Department  of  State  of  the  3d  of  January  last. 
There  is  a  disposition  to  adopt  the  suggestions  of  Professor  Hilgard,  and  to  accept 
the  proposition  adverted  to,  but  before  deciding  upon  the  matter  it  is  desirable  to 
know  if  the  Treasury  Department  is  willing  to  provide  for  any  expense  which  the 
diplomatic  conference  may  occasion. 


I  have  the  honor  to  be,  &c., 


JOHN  L.  CADWALADER, 

Acting  Secretary. 


V 


No.  13. 


~( 


> 


No.  11. 


[Extract.] 
Professor  Hilgard  to  Mr.  Fish, 

United  States  Coast  Survey  Office, 
Washington,  September  15,  1874.    (Received  September  16.) 

Sir:  I  have  the  honor  to  inform  you  that  a  meeting  of  the  standing  committee  of 
the  International  Metric  Commission  will  be  held  at  Paris,  beginning  October  6.  As  a 
member  of  that  committee,  it  is  my  purpose  to  attend  that  meeting,  having  obtained 
the  requisite  permission  from  the  Treasury  Department,  in  whose  employ  I  am  as  an 
assistant  in  the  Coast  Survey;  but,  holding  my  appointment  as  a  commissioner  (jointly 
with  Professor  Henry)  from  the  Department  of  State,  it  appears  proper  that  I  should 
acquaint.yon  with  my  proceedings  in  the  premises. 

The  president  of  the  commission,  General  Morin,  in  communicating  to  me  the  call 
for  the  meeting,  takes  occasion  to  express  his  regret  that  no  reply  has  been  received 
from  this  government  to  the  proposition  for  a  conference,  which  was  communicated  by 
the  French  envoy  to  the  Department  of  State,  under  date  of  December  22,  1873. 


Mr.  Bristotc  to  Mr.  Fish. 

Treasury  Department, 

Washington,  D.  C ,  October  2i,  1874.  (Received  October  26.) 

Sir  :  I  have  the  honor  to  acknowledge  the  receipt  of  the  letter  of  the  Hon.  John  S. 
Cadwalader,  Acting  Secretary  of  State,  dated  the  23d  ultimo,  in  which  he  states  that 
Professor  Hilgard  has  suggested  that  the  proposition  of  the  French  Government  for  a 
diplomatic  conference  on  the  metric  question  should  be  replied  to,  and  adds  that  the 
Department  of  State  is  disposed  to  adopt  the  proposition  referred  to,  but  before  decid- 
ing upon  the  matter  desires  to  know  if  the  Treasury  Department  is  willing  to  provide 
for  any  expense  which  the  diplomatic  conference  may  occasion. 

I  have  respectfully  to  state  in  reply  that  the  subject  having  been  referred  to  the 
Superintendent  of  Weights  and  Measures,  a  reply  has  been  received  from  that  officer, 
dated  the  19th  instant,  a  copy  of  which  is  inclosed  herewith,  referring  to  the  interna- 
tional character  of  the  proposed  bureau,  and  to  the  fact  that  access  to  it  for  any  com- 
parisons desired  by  scientific  bodies  in  this  country  would  necessarily  be  made  through 
the  State  Department,  and  suggesting  that  final  acceptance  of  the  proposal  pending 
from  the  French  Government  can  have  effect  only  by  the  action  of  Congress  in  voting 
a  sum  estimated  by  the  Department  of  State  as  the  just  contribution  of  the  United 
States  toward  the  establishment  of  the  international  bureau  contemplated. 

I  have  the  honor  to  say  that,  having  given  the  subject  full  consideration,  this  depart- 
ment concurs  in  the  views  of  the  Superintendent  of  Weights  and  Measures. 
I  am,  &>c., 

B.  H.  BRISTOW. 


/ 


Y 


Very  respectfully,  &c., 


J.  E.  HILGARD, 
Delegate  from  the  United  States  to  the 
Intertiational  Metric  Commission, 


No.  12. 


Mr.  Cadwalader  to  Mr.  Bristow. 

Department  of  State, 

Washington,  September  23, 1874. 

Sir:  The  department  has  received  a  letter  from  Professor  Hilgard,  suggesting  that 
the  proposition  of  the  French  Government  for  a  diplomatic  conference,  so  called,  on 


flnclosure.] 

Mr.  Patterson  to  Mr.  Bristow. 

United  States  Coast  Survey  Office, 

Washington,  October  19,  1874. 

Sir  :  I  have  the  honor  to  state,  after  review  of  correspondence  which  accompanied 
the  department  letter  of  September  30,  that  the  proposal  of  the  French  Government  to 
establish  at  Paris  an  International  Bureau  of  Weights  and  Measures  has  therein  the 
expressed  concurrence  of  the  late  Superintendent  of  the  United  States  Weights  and 
Measures  and  recommendation  from  our  National  Academy  of  Sciences  that  the  Gov- 
ernment of  the  United  States  should  co-operate  in  establishing  such  a  bureau. 

For  the  purposes  to  be  served  by  the  proposed  establishment,  the  report  made  by 
the  committee  of  the  National  Academy  of  Sciences,  and  in  which  I  fully  concur,  shows 
that  in  the  bureau  no  branch  of  service  in  this  government  would  have  special  rela- 
tions. The  bureau,  national  in  its  conception,  would  be  international  in  its  character. 
Access  to  it  for  any  comparisons  desired  by  scientific  bodies  in  this  country,  by  boards 
of  survey,  State  or  national,  offices  of  weights  and  measures  either  in  our  individual 
States  or  in  the  United  States,  would  necessarily  be  through  the  State  Department  in 
Washington,  to  which,  if  need  be,  won  Id  come,  through  the  several  departments,  ap- 
plications from  the  Engineer  Bureau  of  the  Army,  from  the  General  Land  Office,  or  from 
the  Mint. 

If  the  expense  which  the  diplomatic  conference  may  occasion,  mention  of  which  is 
made  in  the  letter  of  September  23d,  from  the  Department  of  State,  refers  to  the  sum 
mentioned  by  the  French  minister  in  the  proposal  which  he  addressed  to  the  honor- 
able Secretary  of  State  under  date  of  February  15,  1873,  as  the  estimated  aggregate 
contribution  of  the  co-operating  nations,  needful  in  founding  and  maintaining  the 
proposed  international  bureau,  it  is  respectfully  submitted  that  final  acceptance  by 


132 


HETBIC    SYSTEM. 


\ 


METRIC   SYSTEM. 


133 


oar  government  of  the  proposal  pending  from  the  French  Government  can  have  eftect 
only  by  the  action  of  Congress  in  voting  a  sum  estimated  by  the  honorable  Secretary 
of  State  as  the  jnst  contribution  of  the  United  States  toward  the  establishment  at 
Paris  of  an  International  Bureau  of  Weights  and  Measures.  /' 

I  farther  respectfully  suggest  that  it  would  not  be  reasonable  to  expect  the  Secre-  ^ 
tary  of  the  Treasury  to  submit  to  Congress,  nor  the  Superintendent  of  the  Standard      S 
Weights  and  Measures  to  estimate  for,  an  appropriation  which  must  necessarily  be 
expended  through  the  Department  of  State,  and  over  which  neither  the  Secretary  of 
the  Treasury  nor  the  Superintendent  of  the  Standard  Weights  and  Measures  would 
have  any  control. 

The  correspondence,  as  requested,  is  herewith  returned. 

Very  respectfully,  &c., 

^  C.P.PATTERSON. 


>- 


No.  14. 


Mr.  Cadwalader  to  Mi\  Brhiow, 

Department  of  State, 

JVmhington,  Xovemher  4, 1874. 

Sir  :  I  have  the  honor  to  acknowledge  the  receipt  of  your  communication  of  the  24th 
ultimo,  in  reply  to  one  from  this  Department  of  the  23d  of  September  last,  in  which 
inquiry  was  made  as  to  whether  the  Treasury  Department  was  willing  to  provide  for 
any  expenses  that  may  be  occasioned  by  the  diplomatic  conference,  proposed  to  be  held 
at  Paris,  for  the  purpose  of  framing  a  conventional  arrangement  looking  to  the  estab- 
lishment of  an  International  Bureau  of  Weights  and  Measures  at  Paris,  the  functions 
of  which  bureau  would  be  the  manufacture  and  comparison  of  international  metric 
standards  of  measurement  and  weight,  &.c. 

Mr.  Patterson,  the  Superintendent  of  the  Coast  Survey  and  of  Weights  and  Measures, 
to  whom  you  referred  the  letter  of  this  department  of  the  23d  of  September,  in  his 
letter  to  you  of  the  19th  ultimo,  a  copy  of  which  you  transmit,  assumes  that  the  in- 
quiry of  this  department  related  to  the  expenses  which  would  be  involved  in  the  part 
to  be  borne  by  the  United  States  in  the  creation  and  maintenance  of  the  proposed  in- 
ternational bureau  should  it  become  a  party  to  the  arrangement. 

This  was  not  the  Ciise,  however;  for  this  department  regarded  that  question  as  set- 
tled, or  as  one  in  course  of  settlement,  upon  the  basis  indicated  in  the  statement  made 
by  Mr.  J.  E.  Hilgard,  Assistant  Superintendent  of  Weights  and  Measures,  in  his  letter 
of  February  2, 1874,*  a  copy  of  which  was  transmitted  by  the  Secretary  of  the  Treasury, 
who  concurred  therein,  to  this  department,  with  a  communication  of  February  6, 1874. 
Mr.  Hilgard's  statement  is  as  follows: 

"As  to  subsequent  expenditure,  this  office  is  already  instructed  by  the  Secretary  of 
the  Treasury  to  ask  for  an  appropriation  of  $12,000  for  anticipated  treaty  obligations, 
which  instruction  will  be  acted  on  whenever  the  proposed  arrangements  have  taken 
official  form." 

The  department  still  regards  the  mode  thus  indicated  as  the  proper  one  of  providing 
the  necessary  means  for  defraying  the  share  of  the  expenses  of  the  proposed  bureau 
which  it  would  devolve  upon  the  United  States  to  meet. 

The  object  of  the  inquiry,  submitted  in  my  letter  of  September  23,  was  to  ascertain 
whether  the  Treasury  Department  was  willing  to  provide  for  any  expense  attending 
the  diplomatic  conference;  but  as,  upon  a  further  examination  of  the  same  letter  of 
Mr.  Hilgard,  I  find  the  suggestion  approved  by  the  Secretary  of  the  Treasury,  that  the 
diplomatic  representative  of  the  United  States,  furnished  with  proper  data,  to  be  pre- 
pared by  Mr.  Hilgard,  can  represent  the  United  States  in  the  conference  in  such  a  way 
that  any  expense  attending  his  performance  of  that  duty  would  be  insignificant,  that 
question  may  be  regarded  as  disposed  of,  provided  your  department  should  still  recom- 
mend that  the  diplomatic  representative  of  the  United  States  should  represent  this 
government,  bein;;  furnished  with  proper  information. 

This  department,  considering  the  undertaking  in  the  light  thrown  upon  it  by  the 
exjiosition  of  its  benefits  contained  in  the  communications  received  from  your  depart- 
ment, is  disposed  to  agree  in  the  conclusions  arrived  at,  and  is  ready  to  forward  those 
views  expressed  by  your  department  in  such  way  as  you  may  request. 

It  is  proper,  however,  to  state  that  the  action  of  this  department  is  deemed  to  be 
that  of  an  intermediary  merely  in  furtherance  of  a  matter  not  properly  belonging  to 
it,  but  the  correspondence  upon  which,  as  occurs  in  similar  matters,  must  be  con- 
ducted through  this  department. 

It  has  never  regarded  it  as  at  all  its  province  to  present  the  subject  to  Congress,  or 
to  request  an  appropriation  therefor,  but  should  expect  your  department,  at  the  tsr- 

*  See  Document  No.  10. 


/  m 


< 


Y 


mination  of  the  diplomatic  conference,  should  one  take  place,  to  pursue  the  course  in- 
dicated in  the  letter  of  Professor  Hilgard  of  February  6,  1874,  as  above  indicated,  or 
such  other  course  as  might  appear  proper  to  yourself. 

Believing  that  some  misapprehension  has  existed  on  this  matter,  I  will  thank  you 
for  an  expression  of  your  views  in  the  light  of  the  exjilanation  herein  contained,  look- 
ing to  an  answer  from  this  department  to  the  letter  of  the  French  minister  as  to  the 
proposed  conference. 
I  have,  &.C., 

JOHN  L.  CADWALADER, 

Acting  Se^jretary. 

No.  15. 

Mr,  Bartholdi  to  Mr,  Fish, 

[Translation.] 

Legation  of  France  in  the  United  States, 
Washington,  Xovetnber  23,  1874.    (Received  November  27.) 

Mr.  Secretary  of  State  :  The  Marquis  de  Noailles  had  the  honor  to  communicate 
to  your  excellency,  on  the  22d  of  December,  1873,  a  resolution  of  the  standing  com- 
mittee of  the  International  Metre  Commission,  the  object  of  which  was  to  bring  about 
a  diplomatic  conference  which  should  take  the  necessary  measures  to  enable  the  com- 
mittee to  make  the  numerous  verifications  which  it  has  been  instructed  to  make.  It 
would,  moreover,  be  the  duty  of  this  conference  to  provide  for  the  preservation  of  in- 
ternational standards,  and  for  the  making  hereafter  of  such  comparisons  of  metres  and 
kilogrammes  as  might  be  desired  by  the  various  governments. 

This  proposition  of  the  standing  committee,  which  has  been  transmitted  to  all  the 
countries  represented  in  the  International  Metre  Commission,  has  obtained  the  adhe- 
sion of  a  certain  number  of  them,  viz,  Germany,  Belgium,  Brazil,  Colombia,  Denmark, 
Spain,  The  Netherlands,  Russia,  Sweden  and  Norway,  and  Switzerland. 

Germany  has  given  its  consent,  with  only  one  proviso,  viz,  that  the  conference  shall 
"  fix  conditions  of  strict  neutrality  for  the  organization  of  the  custody,  the  control, 
and  the  use  of  the  common  standards  by  a  permanent  scientific  institution." 

Russia,  while  declaring  itself  ready  to  take  part  in  the  conference,  expresses  the  wish 
that  the  scientific  questions  may  not  be  the  only  ones  submitted  to  it  but  that  the 
utmost  latitude  may  be  granted  to  it  for  the  examination  of  everything  connected 
with  the  task  which  has  been  confided  to  the  International  Metre  Commission. 

These  provisos  are  in  nowise  at  variance  with  the  desire  expressed  by  the  standing 
committee,  and  there  will  doubtless  be  no  objection  made  to  them  by  any  of  the  gov- 
ernments. 

England  is  the  only  power  which  has  thought  proper  to  decline  the  proposition  of 
the  standing  committee.  She  has  done  so  on  the  ground  that  the  interest  which  she 
might  have  in  adopting  the  metric  system  and  in  recognizing  an  international  stand- 
ard would  not  be  sufficiently  direct  and  immediate  for  her  to  feel  authorized  to  aak. 
Parliament  for  a  special  appropriation. 

The  other  countries,  that  is  to  say,  Austria,  Hungary,  the  United  States,  Italy,  Por- 
tugal, Turkey,  Greece,  and  most  of  the  South  American  governments,  have  not  yet 
communicated  their  replies. 

Such,  Mr.  Secretary  of  State,  was  the  state  of  the  question  when,  during  the  session 
of  last  month,  the  standing  committee  adopted  and  communicated  to  the  French  Gov- 
ernment the  following  resolution : 

"  In  view  of  the  large  number  of  favorable  replies  from  the  countries  interested  in 
the  success  of  the  plan  proposed  last  year  to  the  French  government  for  a  diplomatic 
conference  which  should  meet  for  the  purpose  of  enabling  the  committee  to  perform 
all  the  labors  intrusted  to  it,  as  well  as  of  providing  for  the  preservation  of  the  inter- 
national standards  and  for  the  comparisons  to  be  made  in  future,  the  committee  in- 
structs its  bureau  to  address  the  French  Government,  requesting  it  to  convoke  the 
diplomatic  conference  with  as  little  delay  as  possible." 

The  French  Government  cannot  do  otherwise  than  comply  with  this  request.  It 
seems  to  it  important  no  longer  to  defer  the  convoking  of  the  conference,  the  object 
of  which  is  to  conclude  a  convention  which  may  secure  an  international  organization 
to  the  labors  of  the  metre  commission,  to  the  custody  of  the  standards,  to  their  preser- 
vation, and  to  their  ulterior  use.  It  has,  therefore,  been  decided,  Mr.  Secretary  of 
State,  that  this  invitation  should  be  officially  addressed,  not  only  to  the  governments 
which  have  already  signified  their  adhesion,  but  also  to  those  which  have  not  yet  com- 
municated their  replies  to  the  proposition  of  the  standing  committee,  in  the  convic- 
tion that  these  latter  will  not  hesitate  to  take  part  in  deliberations  of  such  high  im- 
portance and  of  such  universal  interest. 


i 


134 


METEIC   SYSTEM. 


Y 


The  object  of  this  conference  being  to  conclude  a  diplomatic  convention  touching 
matters  most  of  which  will  require  technical  knowledge,  it  seems  that  it  ought  to  be 
conducted  in  the  same  manner  as  was  the  international  telegraphic  conference  that 
was  held  at  Paris  in  1865. 

Each  government  would  then  furnish  its  diplomatic  representative  accredited  in 
France  with  the  full  powers  necessary  for  the  signing  of  the  convention,  appointing 
at  the  same  time  as  adjuncts,  if  he  should  deem  this  desirable,  one  or  more  special  del- 
egates, in  case  the  conference  should  think  proper,  according  to  the  plan  adopted  in 
1865,  to  confide  to  a  commission  composed  in  great  part  of  such  delegates  the  task  of 
preparing  the  draught  of  a  convention,  which  should  afterward  be  submitted  to  its 
approval. 

Not  doubting  that  this  mode  of  proceeding,  which  seems  the  one  best  calculated  to 
secure  a  satisfactory  result,  will  be  approved  by  all  the  countries,  the  French  Govern- 
ment has  already  selected  Mr.  Dumas,  perpetual  secretary  of  the  Academy  of  Sciences, 
formerly  a  minister,  and  Greneral  Morin,  director  of  the  Conservatoire  ilea  Arts  et  Metiers, 
to  represent  it  as  special  delegates  to  the  conference. 

As  to  the  time  for  the  meeting  of  the  conference,  the  French  Government  would  sug- 
gest Monday,  the  1st  of  February  next,  this  delay  seeming  strictly  necessary  in  order 
to  enable  all  the  governments  which  have  taken  part  in  the  International  Metre  Com-^y 
mission  to  receive  their  notifications  and  to  make  their  arrangements.  ~~^ 

I  should  be  happy,  Mr.  Secretary  of  State,  to  be  able  to  announce  to  my  government       ' 
that  the  Government  of  the  United  States  has  favorably  received  this  proposition,  and 
in  that  case  I  should  be  grateful  to  your  excellency  if  you  would  be  pleased  to  commu- 
nicate to  me  the  names  of  the  special  delegates  whom  it  might  think  proper  to  desig- 
nate as  assistants  to  its  diplomatic  representative  at  Paris. 
Be  pleased  to  accept,  &-c., 

A.  BARTHOLDI. 


r 


No.  16. 


i\y 


Mr.  Fish  to  Mr.  Bristow. 

Department  of  State, 

Washington,  Xoremher  30,  1874. 

Sir:  Referring  to  previous  correspondence,  and  particularly  to  my  letter  of  the  4th 
instant,  in  reference  to  the  diplomatic  conference  proposed  by  the  standing  committee 
of  the  International  Metre  Commission,  I  have  now  the  honor  to  inclose  you  a  copy,  in 
translation,  of  a  note  from  the  representative  of  France,  bearing  date  the  23d  Novem- 
ber, upon  the  same  question. 

You  will  perceive  from  this  communication  that  the  French  Government  has  named 
certain  special  delegates,  and  has  suggested  the  1st  of  February  as  the  date  for  the 
meeting  of  the  conference  ;  and  information  is  requested  from  this  department  whether 
this  government  will  take  part  therein,  and  whether  special  delegates  will  be  named 
for  that  purpose.  I  will  thank  you  to  inform  me  of  the  conclusions  of  your  department 
in  reference  to  this  question,  that  I  may  be  enabled  to  answer  these  inquiries. 

In  the  prior  communications  on  this  question,  I  had  the  honor  to  refer  you  to  the  con- 
clusions to  which  your  department  had  arrived  in  reference  to  the  expense  to  be  in- 
curred by  the  permanent  establishment  of  the  proposed  "commission,"  and  of  the 
views  of  this  department  in  relation  to  these  expenses  of  the  diplomatic  conference  in 
case  special  delegates  were  appointed. 
I  have,  <&c., 

HAMILTON  FISH. 


<  y 


< 


/ 


>- 


No.  17. 


Mr.  Bristmo  to  Mr.  Fish. 

Treasury  DepartxMent, 
January  9,  1875.    (Received  January  11.) 

Sir  :  Resjwctfully  referring  to  the  communication  from  the  honorable  the  Secretary 
of  State,  dated  the  30th  November  last,  relative  to  the  proposed  diplomatic  conference 
of  the  International  Metric  Commission,  and  to  the  copy  (in  translation )  of  a  note  from 
the  rejiresentative  of  France  upon  the  same  question,  transmitted  with  a  subsequent 
letter  from  the  Department  of  State,  I  have  the  honor  to  inform  you  that  copies  of  the 
conminnications,  and  the  note  in  translation  above  referred  to,  were  transmitted  to  the 
Superintendent  of  Weights  and  Measures  for  his  consideration,  with  letters  of  this  de- 


METRIC    SYSTEM. 


135 


partment  of  the  4th  and  8th  ultimo,  and  a  reply  has  been  received  from  that  officer, 
dated  the  8th  instant  (a  copy  of  which  I  have  the  honor  to  transmit  herewith),  in  which 
he  makes  certain  suggestions  as  to  the  future  action  of  the  Government  of  the  United 
States  relative  to  the  matters  alluded  to  and  the  participation  of  the  Department  of 
State  and  this  department  therein  respectively,  which  have  the  approval  of  this  de- 
partment if  satisfactory  to  the  Department  of  State. 
I  have,  &c.. 

B.  H.  BRISTOW. 


[Inclosure.] 

Mr.  Patterson  to  Mr.  Bnstow, 

United  States  Coast  Survey  Office, 

Washington,  January  S,  1875. 

Sir:  I  have  the  honor  to  submit,  in  compliance  with  a  request  in  the  department 
letter  of  December  4,  1874,  ray  views  in  regard  to  the  diplomatic  conference  proposed 
by  the  standing  committee  of  the  International  Metric  Commission,  which  conference 
is  the  subject  of  a  communication  which  was  addressed  to  the  Treasury  Department 
by  the  honorable  Secretary  of  State,  under  date  of  November  30,  1874. 

1.  That  the  Government  of  the  United  States  should  take  part  in  the  diplomatic  con- 
ference proposed  to  be  held  on  the  1st  of  February  proximo,  for  the  purpose  indicated 
in  the  dispatch  of  the  French  minister  of  date  November  23,  1874. 

2.  That  it  is  not  necessary  to  send  a  special  delegate,  if  the  Department  of  State 
will  request  the  United  States  minister  at  Paris  to  represent  our  government  in  the 
conference,  the  subject  to  be  treated  being  of  an  administrative  and  not  of  a  technical 
character.  Moreover,  no  means  are  available  to  pay  the  expenses  of  a  special  dele- 
gate. It  is  understood  that  the  members  on  the  part  of  the  United  States,  of  the  In- 
ternational Metric  Commission,  Professor  Henry  and  Mr.  Hilgard,  are  preparing,  and 
will  furnish  for  the  State  Department  without  delay,  a  minute  for  the  information  of 
the  American  minister  at  Paris. 

3.  That  expenditures  arising  from  the  participation  of  the  United  States  in  the  con- 
struction of  the  new  international  metric  standards  should  be  provided  for  by  appro- 
priation to  be  procured  by  the  Treasury  Department,  as  likewise  those  that  may  arise 
from  the  participation  of  this  government  in  the  erection  of  an  international  Bureau 
of  Standard  Weights  and  Measures  at  Paris.  I  would,  in  this  connection,  refer  notice 
to  the  department  letter  of  July,  1872,  authorizing  the  Superintendent  of  United  States 
Weights  and  Measures  to  insert  into  estimates  for  the  deficiency  bill  the  sum  of  $12,000 
for  (anticipated)  treaty  obligations  on  that  account. 

4.  That  if  such  establishment  is  founded  by  the  co-operaton  of  leading  civilized 
nations,  and  the  United  States  takes  part  in  it,  the  most  convenient  way  of  providing 
for  the  annual  contribution  of  our  country  to  its  maintenance  would  probably  be  to 
have  the  Department  of  State  include  the  amount  in  the  budget  of  that  department  as 
a  treaty  obligation. 

Very,  &o., 

C.  P.  PATTERSON. 


No.  18. 
Mr.  Fish  to  Mr.  Bristow, 

Department  of  State, 

Washington,  January  13,  1875. 

Sir  :  I  have  the  honor  to  acknowledge  the  receipt  of  your  letter  of  the  9th  instant 
(which  reached  this  department  on  the  11th J>,  in  reference  to  the  proposed  diplomatic 
conference  of  the  International  Metric  Committee,  and  with  which  you  transmit  a  copy 
of  a  letter  addressed  to  you  by  the  Superintendent  of  Weights  and  Measures,  contain- 
ing his  recommendations  as  to  the  proper  course  to  be  pursued,  in  which  you  state  that 
you  concur. 

Your  letter  recommends  that  the  Government  of  the  United  States  should  take  part 
in  the  conference,  and  should  be  represented  by  Mr.  Washburne,  and  that  the  neces- 
sary data  and  information  be  furnished  by  Professor  Henry  and  Mr.  Hilgard. 

As  understood  by  me,  it  assumes  that  all  future  expenses  arising  from  the  confer- 
ence shall  be  provided  by  the  Treasury  Department,  but  suggests  that,  should  a  treaty 
be  entered  into  and  the  government  made  liable  thereby  for  a  certain  sum  as  an  annual 
contribution,  such  amount  might  properly  be  included  in  the  estimates  of  the  Depart- 
ment of  State. 


\ 


136 


METRIC    SYSTEM. 


METRIC   SYSTEM. 


137 


In  reply,  I  have  the  honor  to  say  that  Mr.  Washbnrne  will  be  instrncted  to  repre 
sent  this  government  at  the  conference  upon  receipt  of  the  necessary  information  and 
instructions  for  his  guidance,  as  suggested,  but  that  it  will  be  expected  that  such  inci- 
dental expenses  as  may  be  incurred  by  him  shall  be  paid  by  the  Treasury  when  drawn 
for. 

Should  further  steps  be  necessary,  arising  from  this  conference,  or  should  further 
expenditure  be  required,  this  department,  considering  the  whole  question  as  properly 
under  your  department,  will  leave  all  such  matters  to  the  Treasury  Department. 

Should  a  treaty  be  made,  and  an  annual  expense  incurred  hereafter  as  a  treaty  obli- 
gation, it  may  be  a  matter  of  future  consideration  as  to  how  such  annual  amount  may 
be  best  provided. 

I  beg,  however,  to  remind  you  that,  as  your  letter  of  January  9  is  the  reply  to  my 
communication  of  the  30th  November,  and  as  the  conference  is  lixed  for  the  Ist  Feb- 
ruary, according  to  the  note  of  the  French  minister,  no  time  should  be  lost  in  replying 
to  the  invitation  so  extended,  and  in  instructing  Mr.  Washburne. 

The  invitation  will  be  accepted  by  note  to  the  French  minister,  should  you  so  request 
on  receipt  hereof ;  and  any  information  furnished  this  department  will  be  forwarded 
to  Mr.  Washburne,  for  which  there  seems,  even  now,  to  be  barely  sufficient  time. 
I  have,  &c.. 

HAMILTON  FISH. 


V 


with  a  competent  permanent  personnel  or  whether  it  should,  after  its  use  by  the  com- 
mission, lapse  into  a  mere  depot  or  depository  of  the  standards  and  apparatus,  to  be 
used  by  the  interested  parties  as  occasion  might  arise.  We  are  clearly  of  opinion  that 
it  should  at  once  be  placed,  and  afterwards  remain,  in  the  charge  of  a  warden,  who 
should  be  a  man  of  recognized  scientific  ability,  and  of  special  technical  experience, 
with  such  assistance  as  may  be  necessary  for  the  safekeeping  of  the  building.  This 
appears  to  be  the  minimum  of  personal  establishment  that  the  nature  of  the  case  ad- 
mits of.  Its  subsequent  enlargement  by  the  addition  of  assistants  and  mechanicians 
must  depend  upon  the  development  of  the  activity  of  the  institution. 

5.  An  item  of  $12,000  for  anticipated  treaty  obligations  for  the  objects  in  question 
has  been  included  by  the  Treasury  Department  in  the  estimates  for  the  deficiency  bill 
for  the  current  fiscal  year. 

JOSEPH  HENRY. 

J.  E.  HILGARD. 


No.  19. 


Messrs.  Henry  and  Hilgard  to  Mr.  Fish. 

Washington,  January  13, 1875.    (Received  January  14.) 

Sm:  The  undersigned,  members  on  the  part  of  the  United  States  of  the  Interna- 
tional Metric  Commission,  beg  leave  to  submit  the  subjoined  memorandum  for  the  use 
of  the  representative  designated  by  this  government  to  take  part  in  the  diplomatic 
conference  to  assemble  in  Paris  on  February  1,  for  the  purpose  of  taking  measures  to 
enable  the  standing  committee  of  the  commission  to  make  the  numerous  verifications 
and  comparisons  with  which  it  has  been  charged,  and  also  of  providing  means  for  the 
preservation  of  the  international  standard,  and  for  such  future  comparisons  of  the 
same  with  the  metric  and  other  national  standards  of  the  participating  governments 
as  may  be  from  time  to  time  desired. 
Very,  &c., 

JOSEPH  HENRY. 

J.  E.  HILGARD. 

Memorandum  of  Messrs.  Henry  and  Hilgard. 

The  objects  of  the  conference  are  stated  in  the  communication  of  the  French  min- 
ister.   They  are : 

1.  To  provide  the  means  for  the  final  verification  and  comparison  of  the  new  stand- 
ards, which  have  been  constructed  under  the  care  of  the  French  section  of  the  commis- 
sion. This  will  doubtless  be  done  by  an  allotment  of  the  expense  among  the  partici- 
pating governments. 

2.  To  provide  for  the  safe-keeping  of  the  international  standards  and  apparatus,  and 
for  their  future  use.  To  this  end  the  commission  have  proposed  the  creation  of  an 
"International  Bureau  of  Weights  and  Measures,"  the  organization  of  which  is 
sketched  in  their  resolutions  Nos.  36,  37.  (See  volume  of  proceedings,  1872.)  This 
plan  has  met  the  approval  of  the  United  States  Treasury  Department,  having  charge 
of  standard  weights  and  measures,  and  of  a  committee  of  the  National  Academy  of 
Sciences  specially  appointed  to  report  on  the  subject.  (See  their  report,  which  is  ap- 
pended ;  also  letters  from  the  office  of  weights  and  measures  to  Treasury  Department, 
dated  March  6,  1873,  and  February  6,  1874.) 

The  material  requisites  of  such  an  establishment  are,  that  a  building  specially 
adapted  for  the  purpose  should  be  erected  in  some  locality  free  from  tremors  caused 
by  railroad  traffic  or  factories,  and  that  it  should  be  near  some  large  city,  where  the 
assistance  of  skilled  mechanicians  can  be  obtained.  The  vicinity  of  Paris  is  in  these 
respects  acceptable. 

The  plans  for  the  building  and  their  execution  should  be  under  the  control  of  the 
** comite permanent"  of  the  International  Metric  Commission. 

3.  If  the  erection  of  such  a  building  be  determined  on.  the  execution  of  the  com- 
parisons under  section  1  would  better  be  delayed  until  they  can  be  performed  under 
the  favorable  conditions  afforded  by  that  establishment.  It  is  not  probable  that  any 
existing  building  could  be  made  available  without  considerable  and  expensive  altera- 
tions. 

4.  The  question  will  arise  whether  the  proposed  establishment  should  be  provided 


Y 


"^ 


Y 


■^ 


No.  20. 


Mr.  Bristoiv  to  Mr.  Fish. 

Treasury  Department, 
Washington,  D.  C,  January  16,  1875.    (Received  Jauury  18.) 

Sir  :  I  have  the  honor  to  acknowledge  the  receipt  of  your  letter  of  the  13th  instant, 
in  reference  to  the  proposed  diplomatic  conference  of  the  International  Metric  Com- 
mission. 

In  reply,  I  have  the  honor  to  request  that,  as  suggested  by  you,  the  invitation  of  the 
French  minister  for  the  United  States  to  participate  in  the  diplomatic  conference  re- 
ferred to,  be  accepted  by  the  Department  of  State  in  the  manner  named ;  and  that  the 
United  States  minister  at  Paris,  Mr.  Washburne,  be  instructed  to  represent  this  gov- 
ernment at  the  February  conference,  the  memorandum  for  his  information  and  guid- 
ance having  been,  as  I  am  informed,  already  furnished  the  Department  of  State  by  the 
United  States  commissioner  connected  with  this  work. 

I  have  also  respectfully  to  state  that  the  Treasury  Department  will  undertake  to 
defray  such  incidental  expenses  as  Mr.  Washburne  may  incur  in  representing  our  gov- 
ernment at  the  diplomatic  conference,  in  accordance  with  the  suggestion  contained  in 
your  letter  referred  to  above. 
I  have,  &c., 

B.  H.  BRISTOW. 


No.  21. 


Mr.  Fish  to  Mr,  Bartholdi, 

Department  of  State, 

JVashington,  January  18,  1875. 

Sir  :  You  have  already  been  informed  that  I  referred  to  the  Treasury  Department  the 
communication  of  the  22d  of  December,  1873,  addressed  to  this  department  by  the 
Marquis  de  Noailles,  and  that  from  yourself  of  the  23d  of  November,  1874,  relative  to 
a  diplomatic  conference  to  be  held  at  Paris  on  the  1st  of  February  next,  at  the  recom- 
mendation of  the  permanent  committee  of  the  International  Metric  Commission,  to 
which  the  Government  of  the  United  States  is  invited  to  send  delegates.  I  have  now  the 
honor  to  inform  you  that  the  Secretary  of  the  Treasury  having  reported  favorably 
upon  the  subject,  this  government,  actuated  by  a  desire  to  take  part  in  the  delibera- 
tions contemplated  by  this  conference,  as  set  forth  in  your  note  of  the  23d  of  Novem- 
ber, accepts  the  invitatinn  so  conveyed,  and  that  the  President  has  designated  Mr.  E. 
B.  Washburne,  the  envoy  extraordinary  and  minister  plenipotentiary  of  the  United 
States  accredited  to  your  government,  as  the  delegate  to  represent  the  United  States 
in  the  diplomatic  conference,  to  whom  the  necessary  powers  and  instructions  will  be 
transmitted  for  that  purpose  by  the  next  mail. 

This  department  has  been  informed  by  the  Department  of  the  Treasury,  to  which 
the  subject  appropriately  belongs,  that  it  is  not  possible  to  send  special  delegates  as 
assistants  to  the  minister  of  the  United  States;  but  information  will  be  furnished  him 
which  it  is  hoped  will  obviate  that  necessity.  It  is  proper  that  I  should  add  that,  as 
the  representative  of  the  United  States  in  Paris  has  not  the  advantage  of  the  assist- 
ance of  skilled  experts  in  relation  to  this  matter,  he  will  be  instructed  to  report  to  this 
government,  for  approval,  the  final  conclusions  of  this  conference  before  entering  into 
any  positive  engagement  on  the  part  of  this  government ;  and,  further,  because  legis- 


138 


\ 


METRIC   SYSTEM. 


lation  may  be  hereafter  required  before  the  results  of  the  conference  can  be  finally 
adopted  by  this  government  or  a  convention  agreed  upon  for  such  purpose. 

I  regret  the  delay  which  has  occurred  in  communicating  to  you  this  acceptance  of 
the  invitation,  and  which  has  been  occasioned  by  circumstances  not  within  control  of 
this  department. 
Accept,  &c., 

HAMILTON  FISH. 


^   > 


No.  ^. 


No.  670.] 


^ 


I  am,  &,c. 


HAMILTON  FISH. 


■< 


Mr,  Fish  to  Mr,  Waahhume, 

Department  of  State, 

Washington,  January  19, 1875. 

Sir  :  I  inclose  herewith  a  copy  of  correspondence  which  has  taken  place  between 
the  French  legation  and  this  department,  and  between  this  department  and  that  of 
the  Treasury,  upuii  the  subject  of  a  diplomatic  conference  to  be  held  at  Paris  on  the 
1st  proximo,  to  which,  at  the  instance  of  the  permanent  committee  of  the  International 
Metre  Commission,  this  and  other  governments  have  been  invited  by  that  of  France 
to  appoint  delegates. 

The  President  having  designated  you  as  the  delegate  to  represent  the  United  States 
in  the  proposed  conference,  I  inclose  a  special  power  authorizing  you  to  participate 
therein. 

Your  attention  is  specially  directed  to  the  following  extract  from  my  note  of  yester- 
day to  Mr.  Bartholdi,  the  minister  of  France,  a  full  copy  of  which  is  inclosed  here- 
with : 

"This  department  has  been  informed  by  the  Department  of  the  Treasury,  to  which 
the  subject  appropriately  belongs,  that  it  is  not  possible  to  send  special  delegates  as 
assistants  to  the  minister  of  the  United  States ;  but  information  will  be  furnished  him, 
which  it  is  hoped  will  obviate  that  necessity.  It  is  proper  that  I  should  add  that  as 
the  representative  of  the  United  States  in  Paris  has  not  the  advantage  of  the  assist- 
ance of  skilled  experts  in  relation  to  this  matter,  he  will  be  instructed  to  report  to  this 
government  for  approval  the  final  conclusions  of  this  conference  before  entering  into 
any  definite  engagement  on  the  part  of  this  government;  and,  further,  because  legis- 
lation may  be  hereafter  required  before  the  results  of  the  conference  can  be  finally 
adopted  by  this  government,  or  a  convention  finally  agreed  upon  for  such  purpose." 

The  invitation  of  the  French  government  has  been  accepted,  at  the  request  of  the 
Department  of  the  Treasury,  and  it  seems  proper  that  the  results  of  the  conference 
should  be  made  known  through  this  department  to  that  of  the  Treasury. 

It  is  also  thought  probable  that  should  this  conference  decide  to  permanently  estab- 
lish a  bureau  at  Paris,  some  legislation  upon  the  question  may  become  necessary  on  the 
part  of  this  government  to  enable  it  to  take  part  therein. 

In  your  proceedings  as  the  delegate  of  the  United  States  in  the  conference,  you  will 
therefore  act  subject  to  the  conditions  and  limitations  defined  in  the  foregoing  extract, 
and  will,  of  course,  make  this  fact  fully  understood  by  your  colleagues  ;  and  in  any 
protocol  or  form  of  agreement  which  you  may  sign,  you  will  see  that,  so  far  as  it  con- 
cerns this  government,  or  your  signature  on  its  behalf,  special  reservation  is  made  in 
accordance  therewith,  and  with  the  terms  of  your  special  powet  from  the  President. 

You  will  perceive  by  the  corresponrlence  with  the  Treasury  that  that  department  has 
agreed  to  furnish  you  with  all  necessary  instructions  and  information  for  your  guid- 
ance, and  the  inclosure  B*  has  been  furnished  as  supplying  such  information  in  con- 
nection with  the  correspondence  also  inclosed. 

For  information,  therefore,  as  to  the  general  purposes  and  scope  of  the  measures 
which  the  conference  is  to  consider  and  negotiate  upon,  you  are  referred  to  the  inclosed 
copy  of  a  memorandum  prepared  by  Professors  Joseph  Henry  and  J.  E.  Hilgard,  mem- 
bers of  the  International  Metric  ComniisMJon  (inclosure  B),and  to  the  copies  in  trans- 
lation of  the  notes  from  the  Marquis  de  Noailles  and  Mr.  Bartholdi  to  this  department 
under  the  respective  dates  of  December  22,  1873,  and  November  23,  1874  (inclosures  C 
and  D).  7 

You  are  also  referred  to  the  accompanying  copies  of  letters  from  Professor  Hilgard    "A 
to  the  Secretarj'  of  the  Treasury,  of  the  respective  dates  of  March  6, 1873,  t  and  Feb-       ^ 
ruary  2, 1874,  t  as  containing  useful  information  as  to  the  origin  of  the  proposed  con- 
ference and  valuable  suggestions  upon  the  subject. 

You  will  also  learn  by  the  letter  from  the  Treasury  Department  of  January  16th 
instant  that  such  incidental  expenses  as  may  be  properly  incurred  by  you  in  partici- 
pating in  the  deliberations  of  the  conference  will  be  paid  when  drawn  for  upon  the 
Treasury,  which  draft  should  be  accompanied  by  the  usual  vouchers. 


\ 


\ 


Y 


METRIC   SYSTEM.  139 

No.  23. 
Mr,  Fish  to  Mr,  Bristow, 

Department  of  State, 

WashingtoUy  January  22,  1875. 

Sir  :  I  have  the  honor  to  acknowledge  the  receipt  of  your  letter  of  the  16th  instant, 
which  reached  this  department  on  the  18th,  relative  to  the  diplomatic  conference  pro- 
posed to  be  held  at  Paris  on  the  1st  proximo,  and  to  inform  you  in  reply  that,  in  com- 
pliance with  your  suggestion,  a  note  was,  on  the  18th  instant,  addressed  to  Mr.  Bar- 
tholdi, the  minister  of  France  here,  accepting  the  invitation,  and  that  instructions 
have  been  sent  in  duplicate,  by  different  mails,  to  Mr.  Washbume,  directing  him  to 
represent  the  United  States  at  the  conference. 

The  memorandum  prepared  for  Mr.  Washbume's  information  and  guidance  by  Pro- 
fessors Henry  and  Hilgard  was  duly  received  at  this  department  on  the  14th  instant, 
and  a  copy  of  it  and  of  the  correspondence  necessary  for  an  understanding  of  the  sub- 
ject was  transmitted  with  the  instructions  referred  to. 

Mr.  Washbume  was  advised  that  his  proceedings  in  the  conference,  or  any  protocols 
or  engagements  which  he  might  sign,  would  be  subject  to  subsequent  approval ;  and 
he  was  instructed  to  make  this  fact  known  to  his  colleagues  in  the  conference. 
I  have,  &c., 

HAMILTON  FISH. 


No.  24. 


Mr.  Washbume  to  Mr.  Fish, 


No.  1094.] 


Legation  of  the  United  States, 
Paris,  February  2,  1875.    (Received  Feb.  19,  1875.) 

Sir:  I  have  the  honor  to  acknowledge  the  receipt  of  your  dispatch  No.  670,  under 
date  of  the  19th  ultimo,  with  the  inclosures,  among  which  is  the  commission  of  the 
President  conferring  upon  me  authority  to  act  in  the  name  of  the  United  States  as 
their  representative  at  the  international  conference  which  was  to  have  been  held  in 
Paris  on  the  first  of  this  month.  I  sent  at  once  to  find  out  in  regard  to  the  meeting 
of  the  conference,  and  ascertained  that  it  was  postponed  until  the  first  day  of  March. 
I  have  oflQcially  advised  the  Due  Decazes  of  my  appointment,  and  notified  him  that  I 
would  be  ready  to  participate  in  the  proceedings  of  the  conference  as  the  representa- 
tive of  the  United  States. 

I  am  glad  of  this  delay  which  takes  place  in  the  meeting  of  this  conference,  as  it 
will  enable  me  to  post  myself  up  on  the  subject,  and,  if  necessary,  obtain  the  assist- 
ance of  some  person  who  understands  the  subject  more  thoroughly  than  I  can  pre- 
tend to. 

I  have  the  honor  to  be,  very  respectfully,  your  obedient  servant, 

E.  B.  WASHBURNE. 

Hon.  Hamilton  Fi'sh, 

Secretary  of  State. 


No.  25. 


*See  Document  No.  19. 


tSee  Document  No.  6. 


X  See  Document  No.  10. 


Mr.  Barilioldi  to  Mr.  Fish, 

[Translation.] 

Legation  of  France  in  the  United  States, 

Washington,  February  20,  1875. 

Mr.  Secretary  of  State  :  I  have  the  honor  to  inform  your  excellency  that  the  first 
meeting  of  the  Diplomatic  Metric  Conference,  which  was  to  have  been  held  on  the  Ist 
instant,  has  been  postponed,  in  compliance  with  the  request  of  Russia,  until  March  1st. 

My  government  instructs  me  to  bring  this  decision  to  the  knowledge  of  your  excel- 
lency, in  order  that  you  may  be  enabled  to  take  the  necessary  steps  in  case  you  shall 
think  proper  to  appoint  an  adjunct  delegate  to  assist  Mr.  Washbume,  who  has  already 
been  appointed  to  represent  the  Government  of  the  United  States  at  the  conference. 

Be  pleased  to  accept,  Mr.  Secretary  of  State,  the  assurances  of  my  very  high  consid- 
eration. 

A.  BARTHOLDL 


140 


METRIC   SYSTEM. 


METRIC    SYSTEM. 


141 


No.  26. 

Mr,  Washburne  to  Mr,  Fish, 

No.  1110.]  Legation  of  the  United  States, 

Paris,  March  1, 1875.  (Received  March  22.) 
Sir:  I  have  the  honor  to  inform  yon  that  the  Diplomatic  Metrical  Conference  met 
to-day,  at  1  o'clock,  at  the  Ministry  of  Foreign  Affairs.  I  beg  leave  to  inclose  you  here- 
with a  list  of  the  diplomatic  members  of  said  conference,  including  also  the  delegates 
of  all  the  States  which  up  to  the  present  date  have  acceded  to  the  request  to  take  part 
therein. 

Count  Apponyi,  the  Austrian  ambassador,  being  the  senior  diplomatic  representative 
present,  called  the  conference  to  order,  and  nominated  the  Duke  Decazes  as  president. 
On  taking  the  chair,  the  duke  expressed  his  thanks  for  the  honor  conferred  upon  him, 
and  briefly  explained  the  objects  of  the  conference.  An  organization  having  thus  been 
effected,  Dr.  Kern,  the  minister  from  Switzerland,  proposed  that  a  committee  be  ap- 
pointed, composed  of  all  the  delegates  who  appeared  in  the  conference,  to  which  should 
be  submitted  the  subjects  before  the  conference,  with  instructions  to  examine  them 
and  report  thereon  at  a  subsequent  meeting. 

Chevalier  Nigra  inquired  whar  was  the  status  of  the  permanent  committee,  whether 
it  still  existed,  and,  if  so,  what  were  its  functions;  and  he  stated,  as  did  also  Dr.  Kern, 
that  he  had  instructions  from  his  government  to  insist  upon  putting  one  member  on 
that  committee  from  each  state  represented  in  the  conference  in  case  it  should  be  re- 
organized. 

Explanations  were  made  by  Duke  Decazes,  Dr.  Kern,  General  Ibauez,  and  General 
Morin,  from  which  it  appeared  that  the  permanent  committee  had  virtually  ceased  to 
exist,  and  that  all  the  powers  which  had  belonged  to  it  had  lapsed  and  belonged  to  the 
conference. 

Dr.  Kern's  proposition  was  then  taken  up  and  adopted  with  unanimity.  Upon  his 
suggestion,  Mr.  Dumas,  the  celebrated  chemist,  was  made  chairman  of  the  committee. 
Whereupon  the  conference  adjourned,  subject  to  the  call  of  the  president,  whenever 
the  committee  should  be  ready  to  report. 

Availing  myself  of  the  authority  given  by  the  department  to  employ  assistance  in 
the  deliberations  upon  these  subjects  of  special  investigation,  I  have  associated  with 
myself  for  this  purpose  Henry  Vignaud,  whose  ample  qualifications  for  anything  he 
undertakes  are  so  well  known  to  the  department. 

I  have  the  honor  to  be,  very  respectfully,  your  obedient  servant, 

E.  B.  WASHBURNE. 

Hon.  Hamilton  Fish, 

Secretary  of  State. 


[Inclosnre.] 
Diplomatic  Metrical  Conference, 

GERMANY. 

Flempotentiary.—Wis  Highness  Prince  Hohenlohe.Schilling8filr8t,Amba8sador  Extra- 
ordinary and  Plenipotentiary. 

Delegate.— Bt.  Foerster,  Director  of  the  Bureau  of  Weights  and  Measures,  Professor 
and  Director  of  the  Berlin  Observatory. 

argentine  republic. 
Ptmipa1mtiarg,—Ur.  Balcarce,  Envoy  Extraordinary  and  Minister  Plenipotentiary. 

AUSTRIA- HUNGARY. 

Plenipotentiary,— Hi8  Excellency  Count  Apponyi,  Ambassador  Extraordinary. 
Delegate.— Dr.  J.  Herr,  Professor  of  Geodesy  and  Astronomy  at  the  Polytechnic  School 
of  Vienna,  Director  of  Weights  and  Measures. 

BELGIUM. 

Plenipotentiary.— Baroa  Beyens,  Envoy  Extraordinary  and  Minister  Plenipotentiary* 
Delegate. — Stas,  Member  of  the  Royal  Academy  of  Belgium. 

BRAZIL. 

Plenipotentiary.— The  Viscount  d'lti^aba,  Envoy  Extraordinary  and  Minister  Pleni- 
potentiary. 


-Y 


Y 


-^ 


DENMARK. 

Plenipotentiary.— Count  von  Moltke-Hvitfeldt,  Envoy  Extraordinary  and  Minister 
Plenipotentiary. 
Delegate.— Rolten,  Professor  of  Physics  at  the  University  of  Copenhagen. 

SPAIN. 

Plenipotentiary.— GeneraX  Ibanez,  Director  of  the  Geographical  Institute  of  Spain, 
and  Member  of  the  Academy  of  Sciences. 

UNITED  states  OF  AMERICA. 

Plenipotentiary.— Mr.  E.  B.  Washburne,  Envoy  Extraordinary  and  Minister  Plenipo- 
tentiary. 

FRANCE. 

PlenipotentiaHe8.—'Ri8  Excellency  the  Duke  Decazes,  Minister  of  Foreign  Affairs,  and 
His  Excellency  M.  Grivart,  Minister  of  Agriculture  and  Commerce. 

Delegates.— DiimaA,  ex-Minister,  Perpetual  Secretary  of  the  Academy  of  Sciences; 
General  Morin,  Member  of  the  Institute  and  Director  of  the  Conservatoire  des  Arts  et 
Metiers ;  P61igot,  Member  of  the  Institute  Dumonsteir  de  Fr6dilly,  Director  of  Internal 
Commerce  at  the  Ministry  of  Agriculture  and  Commerce,  and  Jagerschmidt,  Assistant 
Director  at  the  Ministry  of  Foreign  Affairs. 

GREECE. 

Plenipotentiary.— Mr.  Coundonrioti,  Envoy  Extraordinary  and  Minister  Plenipoten- 
tiary. 
Delegate. — Delyanni,  First  Secretary  of  Legation. 

ITALY. 

Plenipotentiary.— ChevalieT  Nigra,  Envoy  Extraordinary  and  Minister  Plenipoteu- 
tiarv 
Defc^fafe.— Govi,  Professor  of  Physics  at  the  University  of  Turin. 

NETHERLANDS. 

Plcniijotentiary.-Bskvon  Zuylen  Van  Nyerelt,  Envoy  Extraordinary  and  Minister 
Plenipotentiary. 

Delegate.— StSLmksLTt,  Professor  at  the  Polytechnic  School  of  Delft,  and  Member  ot 
the  Academy  of  Sciences,  and  Bosscha,  Inspector  of  Secondary  instruction  at  the  Hague, 
and  Member  of  the  Academy  of  Sciences. 

PERU. 

Plenipotentiary.— Mr.  Pedro  Galvez,  Envoy  Extraordinary  and  Minister  Plenipoten- 
tiary. 
De/e«/afe.— Francisco  de  Rivero,  formerly  Minister  Plenipotentiary. 

PORTUGAL. 

Plenipotentiary.— Mr.  Job6  da  Silva  Mendes  Leal,  Envoy  Extraordinary  and  Minister 
Plenipotentiary.  i 

Delegate. — General  Morin,  Membet  of  the  Institute. 

•'  RUSSIA. 

Plenipotentiary. — Mr.  Okouneff,  Councilor  of  State  and  Counsel  to  the  Legation. 
Delegate. — H.  Wild,  Member  of  the  Academy  of  Sciences  at  St.  Petersburg,  and  Di- 
rector of  the  Physical  Observatory. 

SWEDEN  AND  NORWAY. 

Plenipotentiary. — Baron  Adelsward,  Envoy  Extraordinary  and  Minister  Plenipoten- 
tiary. 

Delegate.— BaronWredef  Lieutenant-General  and  Member  of  the  Academy  of  Sciences 
at  Stockholm. 

SWITZERLAND. 

Plenipotentiary.— Mr.  Kern,  Envoy  Extraordinary  and  Minister  Plenipotentiary. 
Delegate.— Dr.  Hirsh,  Director  of  the  Observatory  at  Neufchdtel. 


142 


METRIC   SYSTEM. 


i 


METRIC    SYSTEM. 


143 


TURKEY. 


Plenipotentiary.— His  Excellency  Ali  Paslia,  Ambassador  Extraordinary  and  Plenipo- 
tentiary. 
Delegate. — ^Hasny  Bey,  Chief  of  Stafif  and  Military  Attacli6  of  the  Ottoman  Embassy 


Plenipotentiary. — Eliseo  Acosta. 


VENEZUELA. 


No.  27. 


Mr.  Washhume  to  Mr.  Fish, 


No.  1116.] 


Legation  of  the  United  States, 
Parin,  March  15,  1875.    (Received  April  2.) 

Sir:  I  have  the  honor  to  inclose  herewith  a  copy  of  a  communication,  which  is  in 
the  nature  of  a  report,  by  Mr.  Henry  Vignaud,  who  acted  for  me  in  the  deliberations 
of  the  special  commission  of  delegates  appointed  by  the  Metrical  Diplomatic  Confer- 
ence. The  document  explains  itself,  and  will  be  especially  interesting  to  the  Treasury 
Department,  to  which  his  suggestions  are  respectfully  commended. 
I  have  the  honor  to  be,  very  respectfully,  your  obedient  servant, 

E.  B.  WASHBURNE. 
Han.  Hamilton  Fish, 

Secretary  of  State. 


[Inclosnre.] 
Mr,  Vignaud  to  Mr.  Washburne. 


Paris,  March  14, 1875. 


Sir:  Since  yon  have  intrusted  to  me  the  delicate  duty  of  taking  charge  of  the  in- 
terests of  the  United  States  in  the  commission  of  delegate  appointed  by  the  metrical 
conference  at  its  first  meeting,  I  have  given  the  matter  all  my  attention. 

After  different  meetings  our  labors  took  a  definite  shape,  and  on  the  9th  two  pro- 
jects were  read,  providing  each  for  the  organization  of  the  international  establishment 
upon  which  we  have  been  commissioned  to  report.  Tbey  were  ordered  to  be  printed, 
and  on  the  12th  the  general  discussion  began.    I  inclose  copy  of  each.* 

Project  No.  1  was  brought  up  by  General  Ibafiez,  Dr.  Foerster,  and  Mr.  Hirsch. 
After  consulting  with  you,  I  have  signed  it  in  behalf  of  the  United  States.  Besides 
our  approval,  it  has  now  the  sanction  of  Italy,  Germany,  Austria,  Russia,  Spain,  Bel- 
gium and  Switzerland.  I  think  I  can  add  safely  that  it  has  also  the  good-will  of  the 
president  of  our  commission,  Mr.  Dumas,  who  is  the  real  representative  of  France  in 
the  conference  so  far  as  scientific  matters  are  concerned.  Its  general  tendency  is  in 
strict  conformity  with  your  instructions,  particularly  with  the  memorandum  of  Profs. 
Joseph  Henry  and  J.  E.  Hilgard,  of  .January  13,  and  also  with  the  contents  of  a^mvate 
note  addressed  to  you  by  the  latter  on  January  22,  for  the  purpose  of  approving  cer- 
tain suggestions  made  by  General  Ibanez,  president  of  the  permanent  <?ommittee. 

Project  No.  2  was  prepared  by  Professor  Bosscha. 

At  the  suggestion  of  Mr.  Dumas,  a  sub-committee  has  been  appointed  to  endeavor 
to  conciliate  the  two  projects,  but  it  is  likely  that  the  principal  features  of  project 
No.  1  will  be  retained. 

You  will  perceive  that  art.  3  of  that  project  provides  for  the  creation  of  an  inter- 
national commission,  to  be  composed  of  the  twelve  members  of  the  permanent  com- 
mittee, with  the  addition  of  the  two  members  who  received  the  next  greatest  number 
of  votes  at  the  election  of  that  committee. 

This  is  intended  to  bring  in  the  Swiss  and  Italian  delegates,  Messrs.  Hirsch  and 
Covi.  As  on  this  point  the  authors  of  project  No.  2  agree  with  those  of  the  other, 
there  can  be  no  doubt  that  whatever  solutiou  we  may  come  to,  Mr.  Hilgard  will  be  a 
member  of  the  commission.  I  think  I  may  be  allowed  to  say  that  it  is  through  my 
exertions  that  this  result  has  been  obtained. 

You  will  perceive  also  that  by  art.  (>  the  members  of  the  proposed  commission  are 
allowed  to  vote  by  correspondence.  This  is  intended  chiefly  to  enable  Mr.  Hilgard  to 
take  part  in  the  proceedings  of  the  commission.  Therefore  it  is  a  matter  of  much 
importance  that  Mr.  Hilgard  should  be  advised  of  the  day  upon  which  the  commission, 
if  approved  by  the  conference,  will  elect  its  bureau  and  proceed  to  the  organization  of 
the  institnte  provided  for  in  art.  12. 

"  Not  translated. 


< 


/ 


y 


To  reach  this  end  I  take  the  liberty  to  suggest  the  propriety  of  advising  the  gov- 
ernment that  you  will  telegraph  that  information  in  case  it  cannot  be  conveyed  in 

time  by  mail.  ,       ,      ,  ~      xi 

Of  course,  this  action  of  the  proposed  commission  can  only  take  place  after  the  con- 
ference will  have  approved  it,  and  it  will  be  subject,  together  with  the  proceedings 
of  the  conference  itself,  to  the  sanction  of  our  government,  but  it  is  nevertheless  im- 
portant to  enable  Mr.  Hilgard  to  take  part  in  that  action ;  for  if  we  abstain,  the 
approval  of  the  government  might  find  the  commission  organized  without  our  par- 
ticipation. 

I  am,  with  much  respect,  your  most  obedient  servant, 

'  *^      '  •"     .  HENRI  VIGNAUD. 

Hon.  E.  B.  Washburne, 

United  States  Minister, 


No.  28. 


h 


Y 


> 


Mr.  Washhume  to  Mr.  Fish. 

No.  1124.1  Legation  of  the  United  States, 

Paris,  March  26,  1875.    (Received  April  7.) 

Sir:  I  have  the  honor  to  inclose  herewith  a  copy  of  a  second  communication  in  the 
nature  of  a  report  by  Mr.  Henry  Vignaud,  in  relation  to  the  deliberations  of  the  spe- 
cial commission  of  delegates  appointed  by  the  Metrical  Diplomatic  Conference,  with 
the  two  accompanying  printed  "  projects,"*  being  a  sequel  to  the  document  which  I 
forwarded  to  you  on  the  15th  in  my  dispatch  No.  1116. 

I  will  thank  you  to  transmit  this  document,  as  the  previous  one,  to  the  Secretary  of 
the  Treasury. 

I  have  the  honor  to  be,  very  respectfully,  your  obedient  servant, 

E.  B.  WASHBURNE. 

Hon.  Hamilton  Fish, 

Secretary  of  State. 

[Inclosure.] 

Mr.  Vignaud  to  Mr.  Washhume. 

Paris,  March  26, 1875. 

Sir  :  On  the  14th  of  this  month  I  had  the  honor  to  send  you  a  draught  of  two  pro- 
jects for  the  establishment  of  a  permanent  metrical  institution,  to  one  of  which  Ger- 
many, Russia,  Austria,  Spain,  Italy,  Switzerland,  Belgium,  and  the  United  States  had 
agreed,  while  England  and  several  minor  countries  preferred  the  other.  I  informed 
you  at  the  same  time  that  a  sub-committee  had  been  appointed  for  the  purpose  of  rec- 
onciling the  two  projects,  if  possible. 

Unfortunately  we  have  been  unable  to  reach  that  end  fully,  but  the  conferences  we 
had  on  the  matter  induced  me  and  those  with  whom  I  have  been  associated  to  modify 
in  some  respects  our  former  project,  in  order  to  make  it  more  acceptable  to  the  oppo- 
sition. Having,  then,  made  what  we  considered  the  utmost  concessions  possible  under 
the  circumstances,  we  drew  up  the  project  in  its  new  shape,  signed  it,  had  it  printed, 
and  presented  it  to  the  commission  as  the  definite  result  of  our  efforts.  The  other  pro- 
ceeded in  the  same  manner.    I  inclose  herewith  a  copy  of  each  of  these  projects. 

At  this  stage  of  our  proceedings  we  concluded  that  we  had  nothing  more  to  do  but 
to  submit  the  matter  to  the  diplomatic  conference,  and  we  had  prepared  for  that  pur- 
pose a  collective  declaration,  which  we  intended  to  read  at  the  opening  of  our  meeting 
on  the '23d.  But  on  that  day  an  unexpected  declaration  of  Mr.  Dumas,  our  president, 
rendered  this  move  unnecessary,  for  the  present  at  least.  Mr.  Dumas  declared  that  the 
French  Government  had  examined  carefully  the  two  projects  proposed  and  that  they 
agreed  to  the  one  we  had  submitted.  He  said  that  that  project  alone  was  calculated 
to  promote  the  metrical  system  and  to  give  to  the  International  Bureau  a  real  scien- 
tific value  as  well  as  a  practical  utility.  He  concluded  by  expressing  the  hope  that  the 
other  party  would  assent  ro  these  views. 

The  delegates  of  Sweden  and  Norway  declared  immediately  that  they  would,  and 
the  delegates  of  Turkey  and  Greece  intimated  that  it  was  very  likely  that  upon  receiv- 
ing further  instructions  they  would  do  the  same. 

The  commission  then  adjourned  to  next  week  in  order  to  give  time  to  the  delegate* 
of  the  opposition  to  consult  their  governments  or  their  diplomatic  agents  and  receive 
further  instructions  as  to  the  course  they  should  take. 

*  ^ot  translated. 


144 


METRIC    SYSTEM. 


i 

i 


METRIC   SYSTEM. 


145 


Practically  onr  labors  are  at  an  end.    We  are  to  have  a  few  more  private  meetings 
with  the  French  delegates  in  order  to  give  our  project  diplomatic  shape  and  style. 

Then  it  will  go  before  the  conference  with  the  signature  of  at  least  twelve  states, 
comprising  all  the  great  countries  of  the  civilized  world,  England  excepted. 
1  am,  with  much  respect,  jour  most  obedient  servant, 

HENRI  VIGNAUD. 
Mr.  E.  B.  Washburne, 

United  States  Minister. 


No.  29. 


Mr.  WasTibume  to  Mr.  Fish. 


No.  1127.] 


^ 


Legation  of  the  United  States, 
Paris,  April  8,  1875.    (Received  April  2*2.) 

Sir:  I  have  the  honor  to  inclose  herewith  two  copies  of  a  third  communication  in 
the  nature  of  a  report  by  Mr.  Henry  Vignaud,  in  relation  to  the  deliberations  of  the 
special  commission  of  delegates  appointed  by  the  Metrical  Diplomatic  Conference,  with 
the  accompanying  printed  "  project,"*  being  a  sequel  to  the  documents  forwarded  in 
my  dispatches  Nos.  1116  and  1124.  I  will  thank  you  to  transmit  these  documents,  as  ^/ 
the  previous  ones,  to  the  Secretary  of  the  Treasury.  ""> 

1  have  the  honor  to  be,  very  respectfully,  your  obedient  servant,  ' 

E.  B.  WASHBURNE. 
Hon.  Hamilton  Fish, 

Secretary  of  State. 

P.  S. — Mr.  Vignaud  has  just  handed  me  two  printed  copies  each  of  the  journal  of  the 
commission  until  the  sixth  meeting  and  of  project  No.  2,  which  I  have  the  honor  to 
iorward  with  the  above  mentioned. — E.  B.  W. 

[Inclosore.] 

Mr.  Vignaud  to  Mr.  Washhurne. 

Paris,  Api^il  4, 1875. 

Sir:  I  inclose  herewith  three  copies  of  the  definitive  project  of  the  metrical  conven- 
tion adopted  by  France,  Germany,  Austria,  Russia,  Spain,  Italy,  Belgium,  Switzerland, 
and  the  United  States. 

With  the  concurrence  of  the  French  bureau  du  protocole,  to  which  all  diplomatic 
documents  are  to  be  referred,  we  have  carefully  revised  its  wording,  and  we  hope  the 
diplomatic  conference  will  find  it  in  such  shape  that  it  can  be  adopted  at  once. 
I  understand  that  a  meeting  of  the  conference  is  to  be  called  on  Friday. 
I  am,  with  much  respect,  your  most  obedient  servant, 

HENRI  VIGNAUD. 
Hon.  E.  B.  Washburne, 

United  States  Minister,  Paris. 


Y 


V 


No.  30. 


I  voted  in  favor  of  project  number  one,  stating  at  the  same  time,  distinctly,  that  my  ac- 
tion was  snbject  to  the  approval  of  my  government.  A  similar  statement  was  made  by 
other  plenipotentiaries  who  agreed  to  this  project.  While  1  might  have  entirely  deferred 

§iviug  my  vote  until  I  should  have  received  further  instructions,  as  did  six  others,  I 
eemed  it  advisable  to  take  position,  with  the  reservation  stated,  at  once,  in  order  that 
our  government  might  participate  in  the  organization  of  the  International  Commission 
which  must  be  created  without  delay.  I  was  also  confirmed  in  this  view  by  the  fact 
that  project  number  one  agrees  in  all  its  provisions  with  the  instructions  I  have  already 
received.  You  will  have  observed  that  by  the  text  of  that  project  Mr.  Hilgard  is  made 
a  permanent  member  of  that  organization,  and  as  he  has  sent  his  proxy  for  Mr.  Herr, 
the  delegate  from  Austria,  our  government  will  be  at  once  efficiently  represented  in 
the  commission. 

Another  meeting  will  be  held  on  Thursday  (to-morrow),  in  order  to  sign  the  journal 
of  the  conference.  Then,  after  a  delay  of  twelve  or  fifteen  days,  to  afford  time  to 
draught  an  adequate  number  of  copies  of  the  convention,  equal  to  the  numlier  of  states 
agreeing,  it  will  be  formally  signed.  While  it  is  true  that  I  may  then  sign  the  con- 
vention, with  the  declared  reservation  that  it  is  done  subject  to  the  approval  of  my 
government,  it  would  be  better  if  it  could  be  done  after  the  approval  of  the  depart- 
ment had  been  received.  There  will  be  time  after  the  receipt  of  this  dispatch  by  yon 
to  telegraph  your  approval  or  disapproval  of  the  convention,  which  is  in  fact  project 
number  one  already  forwarded  to  you.  I  suggest,  therefore,  that  you  send  me  a  cable 
dispatch  signifying  your  wishes. 

The  states  whose  representatives  have  asked  delay  before  declaring  positively  for 
the  convention,  viz,  Turkey,  Denmark,  Great  Britain,  Greece,  Peru,  and  Portugal,  will, 
as  their  representatives  state,  be  almost  certain  to  sign  the  convention,  unless  it  be 
Great  Britain.  Her  position  is  very  doubtful.  You  will  have  observed  that  she  has 
had  no  plenipotentiary,  but  has  been  represented  by  her  delegate,  Mr.  Chisholm. 
I  have  the  honor  to  be,  very  respectfully,  your  obedient  servant, 

E.  B.  WASHBURNE. 

Hon.  Hamilton  Fish, 

Secretary  of  State. 


No.  31. 

Mr.  Washhurne  to  Mr.  Fish. 


No.  1134.] 


Mr.  Washhurne  to  Mr.  Fish. 


No.  1131.] 


Legation  of  the  United  States, 
Paris,  April  14,  1875.    (Received  April  29.) 

Sir:  Since  my  No.  1127,  April  8.  on  the  suV)ject  of  the  Metrical  Conference,  another 
meeting  was  held  on  Monday  last,  the  12th  instant.  The  Duke  Decazes,  upon  calling 
the  meeting  to  order,  stated  that  a  special  commission  having  been  created  by  a  reso- 
lution of  the  conference  at  its  first  meeting  to  prepare  a  project  of  a  convention,  that 
commission  had,  after  giving  great  care  to  the  subject,  drawn  up  two  projects  which 
would  be  submitted.  You  will  have  received  copies  of  both  these  projects  with  my 
dispatch  No.  1127. 

Mr.  Dumas,  the  chairman  of  the  commission,  then  read  the  report,  gave  a  summary 
of  the  proceedings  of  the  commission,  and  a  sketch  of  the  two  projects.  The  Duke 
Decazes  stated  that  it  would  be  in  order  to  take  the  sense  of  the  plenipotentiaries  on 
these  two  projects,  and  Dr.  Kern,  the  Swiss  minister,  having  moved  to  proceed  to  vote,  it 
appeared  that  thirteen  states  voted  in  favor  of  project  number  one,  and  a  single  state, 
Holland,  for  number  two;  while  the  representatives  of  the  six  remaining  states  asked 
delay,  desiring  that  that  the  protocol  might  be  kept  open  until  they  could  receive  fur- 
ther instructions  from  their  governments. 

*  Kot  trauslated. 


M 


\ 

Y 


Legation  of  the  United  States, 

Paris,  April  16,  1875.    (Received  April  29.) 

Sir:  As  announced  in  my  dispatch  No.  1131,  another  meeting  of  the  Diplomatic 
Metrical  Conference  was  held  on  yesterday,  the  purpose  being  to  consider  the  precise 
text  of  the  project  adopted  and  authenticate  it  by  preliminary  signatures,  that  from  it 
a  sufficient  number  of  copies  might  be  prepared  to  be  formally  signed  as  the  conven- 
tion by  the  agreeing  states.  The  representative  of  Peru  added  that  government  to  the 
thirteen  previously  consenting  to  project  number  one.  It  was  agreed  that  the  con- 
vention should  be  formally  signed  May  20,  and  that  the  ratifications  should  be  ex- 
changed within  six  months  from  that  date.  I  accepted  this  last  condition,  which  it 
was  stated  would  meet  the  convenience  of  the  majority  of  the  i)leuipotentiaries,  but 
with  the  distinct  understanding  that  I  could  not  be  ready  at  that  time  for  the  exchange 
of  ratifications,  and  should  then  ask  a  further  delay. 

The  interval  between  the  receipt  of  this  dispatch  and  the  20th  of  May  will,  I  sup- 
pose, attbrd  time  enough  to  consider  the  question  of  the  acceptance  or  rejection  of  the 
convention,  and  also  to  inform  me  fully  by  letter  of  the  decision  of  the  government. 
In  my  last  dispatch  on  this  subject  I  stated  that  twelve  or  fifteen  days  of  delay  would 
probably  occur  before  finally  signing,  but  by  the  action  of  yesterday  you  will  perceive 
that  the  conference  was  liberal  enough  to  allow  until  the  20th  May,  upon  my  stating 
that  this  would  alFord  sufficient  time  to  my  government  to  examine  the  convention 
and  advise  me  in  regard  to  my  action. 

Agreeably  to  the  telegram  and  letter  of  Professor  Hilgard,  in  the  nature  of  instruc- 
tions to  me,  I  have  given  the  proper  authority  to  Dr.  Herr  to  act  for  him  in  the  organ- 
ization of  the  International  Bureau,  this  action,  however,  to  be  subject  to  my  approval. 

I  beg  leave  to  inclose  herewith  the  printed  journals*  of  the  seventh  and  last  session 
of  the  special  committee  and  of  the  first  meeting  of  the  Diplomatic  Metrical  Confer- 
ence, held  on  the  1st  of  March. 

I  have  the  honor  to  be,  very  respectfully,  your  obedient  servant, 

E.  B.  WASHBURNE. 
Hon.  Hamilton  Fish, 

Secretary  of  State. 


H.  Kep.  14 10 


'  li^ot  translated. 


146 


METRIC   SYSTEM. 


METRIC    SYSTEM. 


147 


No.  32. 

Mr.  Bnstow  to  Jlr.  Fi»h, 

Treasury  Department, 
Washington,  D.  C,  April  17,  1875.    (Received  April  19.) 

Sir  :  I  have  the  honor  to  acknowledge  the  receipt  of  your  letter  of  the  3d  instant, 
transmitting  copy  of  a  dispatch,  No.  1116,  from  the  minister  of  the  United  States  at  Paris, 
dated  March  IG,  1875,  in  relation  to  the  Diplomatic  Metrical  Conference,  with  printed 
pamphlets  accompanying  it,  and  also  your  letter  of  the  13th  instant,  transmitting  for 
the  information  and  opinion  of  the  department  copy  of  a  dispatch,  No.  1124,  dated 
March  26, 1875,  from  the  minister  of  the  United  States  at  Paris,  with  two  projects, 
printed  in  the  French  language,  in  relation  to  the  same  conference. 

Before  taking  action  in  this  matter,  I  have  to  request  an  exxiression  of  opinion  from 
yon  upon  the  following  statement :  *  t 

It  is  understood  that  the  Diplomatic  Metrical  Conference  proposes  the  organization 
and  establishment,  at  or  near  Paris,  of  an  International  Bureau  of  Weights  and  Meas- 
ures, the  expense  of  which  is  to  be  borne  by  the  respective  governments  participating 
in  the  scheme;  the  proportion  of  expense  to  our  government,  should  it  connect  itself 
with  the  institution,  being  estimated  at  about  $2,000  per  annum  for  two  years,  and 
from  $800  to  .sl,000  per  annum  thereafter. 

It  is  further  understood  that  the  American  minister  at  Paris,  representing  our  gov- 
ernment in  the  conference,  has  given  his  assent  to  the  proposed  organization  and  es- 
tablishment of  the  International  Bureau  of  Weights  and  Measures  referred  to,  subject, 
as  is  inferred  from  your  letter  to  the  department  of  January  22,  1875,  to  the  future 
approval  of  the  government. 

I  inclose  a  draught  of  a  letter  dated  April  8,  1875,  from  Mr.  C.  P.  Patterson,  Super-       / 
intendent  of  United  States  Standard  Weights  and  Measures,  advising  that  the  depart-    "\ 
ment  signify  to  the  Department  of  State  its  concurrence  in  the  action  of  the  United       ^ 
States  minister  representing  this  country  in  the  conference.    In  view  of  the  facts  as 
set  forth,  and  also  of  the  statute  provision  (see  sections  3679  and  3681,  Revised  Stat- 
utes, page  728)  prohibiting  any  department  or  any  officer  of  the  government  from 
involving  the  government  in  future  liability  for  the  payment  of  money  without  ex- 
press authority  of  Congress  and  an  appropriation  therefor,  I  submit  whether  the  action 
proposed  by  the  Superintendent  of  United  States  Standard  Weights  and  Measures  can 
be  taken  without  committing  the  government  to  the  futnre  expenditure  of  money 
involved  in  participation  in  the  scheme ;  and  if  not,  I  would  thank  you  to  suggest 
some  plan  of  action  which  can  be  properly  pursued  that  shall  not  so  commit  the  gov- 
ernment. 

I  am,  very  respectfully, 

B.  H.  BRISTOW, 

Secretary. 

Hon.  Hamilton  Fish, 

Secretary  of  State. 


^Inclosnre.] 

Mr.  Patterson  to  Mr.  Bristow, 

United  States  Coast  Survey  Office, 

Washington,  April  8,  1875. 

Sir  :  Referring  to  department's  letter  of  yesterday's  date  (S.  I.  K.),  transmitting 
papers  relative  to  the  Diplomatic  Metrical  Conference,  I  would  respectfully  advise  that 
the  Treasury  Dejjartment  signify  to  the  Department  of  State  its  entire  concurrence  in 
the  action  of  the  United  States  minister,  representing  this  country  in  the  conference, 
and  that  it  transmit  with  its  approval  to  that  department  the  request  of  Mr.  Hilgard 
to  confide  his  vote,  as  member  of  the  International  Metric  Commission  (if  constituted), 
to  Professor  Herr,  member  from  Austria,  by  telegram,  through  the  American  minister 
at  Paris. 

Yours,  respectfully, 

C.  P.  PATTERSON, 
Superintendent  United  States  Coast  Survey, 
Hon.  B.  H.  Bristow, 

Secretary  of  the  Treasury. 


r 


y 


< 


<\> 


< 


No.  33. 

Mr.  Fish  to  Mr.  Bristow. 

Department  of  State, 
Washington,  April  24,  1875. 

Sir:  I  have  the  honor  to  acknowledge  the  recipt  of  your  letter  of  the  17th  of  April, 
referring  to  dispatches  1116  and  1124,  from  the  minister  of  the  United  States  in  Paris, 
and  their  inclosures,  in  reference  to  the  Metrical  Conference. 

You  state  that  this  Diplomatic  Metrical  Conference  proposes  to  establish  an  Inter- 
national Bureau,  the  expense  of  which  is  to  be  borne  by  the  governments  participat- 
ing, amounting  to  some  $2,000  for  the  first  year,  and  $800  to  .$1,000  per  annum  after- 
ward, and  that  it  is  understood  that  the  minister  of  the  United  States  has  given  his 
assent  to  the  proposed  organization,  subject  to  the  approval  of  this  government. 

In  view  of  these  facts  you  inclose  a  copy  of  a  letter  from  the  Superintendent  of  the 
United  States  Standard  Weights  and  Measures,  and  ask  whether  the  action  proposed 
by  him  can  be  taken  without  commitiing  this  government  to  the  scheme  and  t<>  the 
future  expenditure  ;  and,  if  not,  you  ask  me  to  submit  some  plan  which  may  be  adopted 
without  such  committal. 

Upon  examination  of  the  letter  of  the  Superintendent  of  Standard  Weights  and 
Measures  referred  to,  a  copy  of  which  is  annexed  to  your  letter,  he  appears  to  recom- 
mend the  approval  of  the  acts  of  Mr.  Washburue  at  the  Diplomatic  Conference,  as  re- 
ported by  him,  and  that  the  Treasury  sLouUl  transmit  to  the  Department  of  State  the 
request  of  Mr.  Hilgard  to  confide  his  vote  as  a  member  of  the  International  Metric 
Committee  (if  constituted)  to  Professor  Herr,  member  from  Austria,  by  telegram, 
through  the  American  minister  at  Paris. 

Upon  an  examination  of  the  correspondence  on  the  question  it  would  seem  that  the 
object  of  the  conference  was  to  conclude  a  convention  securing  an  international  organ- 
ization for  the  custody  of  the  standards  and  their  preservation",  subject  to  the  approval 
of  the  various  governments. 

^  It  would  appear  that  such  agreement  partakes  of  the  nature  of  a  treaty  or  conven- 
tion binding  this  government  to  contribute  to  the  annual  support  of  a  permanent  estab- 
lishment, and  I  respectfully  submit  to  your  consideration  whether  any  binding  engage- 
ment can  be  made,  either  as  to  contribution  or  in  other  respects,  short'of  the  formalities 
usual  in  reference  to  such  matters. 

Mr.  Washburue  was  specially  instructed  that  the  results  of  the  conference  must  be 
reported  to  this  government  for  approval  before  any  positive  engagement  was  entered 
into. 

The  report  of  Mr.  Vignaud  dated  March  14,  inclosed  with  Mr.  Washburne's  No.  1116, 
contemplates  that  the  engagement  was  provisionally  executed,  and  was  submitted  for 
approval. 

With  reference  to  the  matter  of  Mr.  Hilgard's  vote,  which,  by  the  report  of  Mr.  Vig- 
naud, and  from  the  recommendation  of  the  Sui)erinteudent  of  Weights  and  Measures, 
it  is  proposed  to  confide  by  telegraph  to  the  member  of  the  new  committee,  from  Aus- 
tria, to  be  cast  at  the  organization  of  the  body  contemplated  by  this  conference,  I  am 
not  informed  precisely  as  to  the  purpose  of  the  vote. 

It  would  appear  in  general  that  the  organization  of  a  body  the  actual  existence  of 
which  depends  on  future  approval  by  the  various  governments  should  not  take  place 
until  such  approval  was  obtained. 

Should  the  casting  of  a  vote  be  necessary,  and  be  deemed  by  you  expedient,  it  might 
be  possible  to  make  such  reservations  at  the  time  of  doing  so  as  to  leave  no  room  for 
presuming  any  committal  of  this  government. 

I  have  the  honor  to  be,  sir,  your  obedient  servant, 

_  HAMILTON  FISH. 

Hon.  Benjamin  H.  Bristow, 

Secretary  of  the  Treasury. 


No.  34. 


Mr.  Washhurne  to  Mr.  Fish. 


No.  1140.] 


Legation  of  the  United  States, 

Fans,  April  29,  1875.    (Received  May  14.) 

Sir  :  I  have  the  honor  to  transmit  herewith  for  transmission  to  the  Secretary  of  the 
Treasury  a  translation  of  a  communication  from  the  members  of  the  International 
Committee  of  Weights  and  Measures,  notifying  our  government  of  the  choice  of  offi- 
cers by  said  committee. 

I  have  the  honor  to  be,  very  respectfully,  your  obedient  servant, 

E.  B.  WASHBURNE. 
Hon.  Hamilton  Fish, 

Secretary  of  State. 


148 


METRIC    SYSTEM. 


UETBIO   SYSTEM. 


U9 


flnclosare.— Tranalation.J 

Paris,  April  22, 1875. 

Sir:  In  conformity  with  the  sixth  article  of  the  transitional  dispositions  of  the  Con- 
Tention  of  Weights  and  Measnres,  and  authorized  by  the  decision  of  the  Diplomatic 
Metrical  Conference  at  its  session  of  April  15,  1875,  the  International  Committee  of 
Weights  and  Measures  met  and  held  its  first  session  April  19,  at  the  Hotel  of  the  Depart- 
ment of  Foreign  Affairs. 

In  conformity  with  article  10  of  the  rules  subjoined  to  the  convention,  we  have  the 
honor,  sir,  to  inform  yoar  government  that  the  international  committee,  which  assem- 
bled after  due  notice  to  the  three  absent  members  that  they  could  exercise  their  con- 
ventional right  to  vote  by  delegates,  elected  General  Ibaiiez,  president,  and  Dr.  Hirsch, 
secretary,  and  that  at  the  session  of  April  20  it  invited  Professor  Govi  to  discharge  the 
functions  of  director  of  the  Bureau  of  Weights  and  Measures  until  the  definitive  nom- 
ination shall  be  made. 
Please  accept,  sir,  the  expression  of  our  very  high  consideration. 
The  members  of  the  International  Committee  of  Weights  and  Measures  present  at 
4he  sesaion  of  organization : 

Dr.  O.  I.  BROCH. 

Dr.  W.  FOERSTER. 

GILBERT  GOVI. 

Dr.  JOS.  HERR. 

Dr.  HIRSCH  HUSNY. 

General  IBANEZ. 

General  MORIN. 

Dr.  H.  wild. 

J.  S.  STAS. 

WREDE. 
Hon.  E.  B.  Washburne,  ^c.  ,  ^c,  4c 


No.  35. 


Mr.  Hilgard  to  Mr.  Cadtcalader. 

[Informal.] 

United  States  Coast  Survey  Office, 

Washinqton,  May  3,  1875.    (Received  May  4.) 

Dear  Sir  :  I  beg  leave  to  place  in  your  hands  herewith,  informally,  a  copy  of  res- 
olations  adopted  by  the  National  Academy  of  Sciences,  relative  to  the  proposed  Inter- 
national Bureau  of  Weights  and  Measures.  The  same  have  been  to-day  formally  trans- 
mitted to  the  President  by  Professor  Henry  ;  but  I  anticipate  their  reception  at  the 
Department  of  State,  in  view  of  their  bearing  upon  a  communication  from  the  Treas- 
ury Department,  which  will  have  been  received  by  you  to  day. 

Yonrs.  &c., 

*        '  J.  E.  HILGARD. 


[Inclosure.] 
Besolutims  adopted  by  the  National  Academy  of  Sciences  at  its  session  Aj.ril  22, 1875. 

Besolred,  That,  in  the  opinion  of  the  National  Academy  of  Sciences,  an  Interna- 
tional Bureau  of  Weights  and  Measures  is  an  instrumentality  practically  indispensable 
for  the  complete  and  satisfactory  accomplishment  of  the  important  objects  for  which 
the  international  commission  of  1870  and  1872  was  convened,  viz:  the  perpetuation, 
unaltered  forever,  of  the  basic  units  of  the  metric  system  of  weights  and  measures; 
the  construction,  verification,  and  distribution  to  the  different  sections  of  authenti- 
cated copies  of  the  prototype  standards  representing  those  units;  the  recomparison 
of  such  copies  hereafter,  and  the  construction  and  verification  of  new  copies  for  the 
uses  of  the  scientific  bodies  and  of  other  organizations  and  individuals  engaged  in 
the  conduct  of  important  public  works  or  in  the  grand  operations  of  international 
commerce;  and,  finally,  for  the  preservation  and  proper  care  of  the  valuable  appar- 
atns  and  instruments  employed  in  such  constructions  and  comparisons. 

Resolved,  That  it  is  eminently  desirable  that  our  country  bhould  participate  in  the 
honor  of  maintaining  an  institution  destined  to  exercise  hereafter  an  influence  so 
beneficial  to  the  material  interests  of  the  human  race,  by  securing  that  exactness  in 


<\y 


-i 


the  determination  of  quantities  which  is  so  essential  to  the  success  of  human  calcula- 
tions, and  that  precision  in  the  results  of  scientific  investigation  without  which  prog- 
ress beyond  a  certain  rudely-defined  limit  is  impossible ;  and  that  the  President  of 
the  United  States  be  accordingly  respectfully  solicited  to  ratify  the  assent  which  ift 
understood  to  have  been  provisionally  given  by  his  diplomatic  representative  in  Pan* 
to  the  creation  of  such  a  bureau,  and  to  recommend  to  Congress  to  make  the  neces- 
sary provision  to  defray  such  portion  of  the  expense  attending  its  maintenance  as  may 
properlv  fall  to  our  share. 

Resolved,  That  a  copy  of  these  resolutions,  authenticated  by  the  signatures  of  the 
proper  oflicers  of  the  academy,  be  forwarded  by  the  president  of  the  academy  to  the 
President  of  the  United  States. 

^'"'  ""Py-  J.  E.  HILGARD, 

Home  Secretary  National  Academy  of  Science. 


i 


> 


No.  36. 


Mr.  Conant  to  Mr.  Fish. 

Treasury  Department, 
Washington,  D.  C,  May  5,  1875.    (Received  May  6.) 

Sir  :  I  have  the  honor  to  acknowledge  the  receipt  of  your  communication  of  the 
24th  ultimo,  in  relation  to  the  question  of  department  action  committing  the  govern- 
ment in  the  matter  of  the  Diplomatic  Metric  Conference,  and  also  your  communica- 
tion of  the  29th  ultimo,  transmitting  dispatches  Nos.  1131  and  1134,  from  the  Ameri- 
can minister  in  Paris,  with  papers  relative  to  the  proceedings  of  the  conference,  and 
particularly  referring  to  the  latter  communication.  I  have  to  inform  you  that  the 
convention  agreed  upon  for  the  establishment  of  an  International  Bureau  of  Weights 
and  Measures  is  entirely  in  accordance  with  the  views  of  the  department.  I  deem  it 
advisable,  therefore,  that  the  matter  be  proceeded  with  on  the  part  of  this  govern- 
ment as  far  as  its  usage  in  similar  cases  will  admit  of. 

In  this  connection  it  is  important  to  observe  that  the  last  article  of  the  convention 
(Dispositions  transitoires,  Article  6)  expressly  provides  that  no  expense  shall  be  incurred 
before  the  exchange  of  ratifications,  being  in  these  terms:  "  The  international  com- 
mittee is  authorized  to  organize  immediately  and  to  take  the  necessary  preparatory 
steps  for  putting  the  convention  in  execution,  without  incurring  any  expense,  how- 
ever, before  the  exchange  of  ratifications  of  the  said  convention." 

It  would  thus  appear  that  the  signing  of  the  convention  by  Mr.  Washburne,  with 
the  reserve  expressed  in  his  dispatch  No.  1134,  and  the  subsequent  participation  of 
Mr.  Hilgard  in  the  organization  of  the  international  committee  and  in  its  delibera- 
tions, would  in  no  wise  violate  that  provision  of  law  which  forbids  contracting  pecu- 
niary obligations  without  previous  authorization  by  Congress.  Moreover,  it  appears 
desirable  that  the  participation  of  the  United  States  in  this  undertaking  of  admitted 
general  utility  should  not  be  needlessly  interrupted. 

If,  therefore,  the  Department  of  State  sees  no  objection  to  the  above  proposition,  I 
would  request  that  Mr.  Washburne  be  instructed  to  act  in  accordance  therewith. 

The  dispatches  Nos.  1131  and  1134  are  herewith  returned,  as  requested  by  your  com- 
munication of  the  29th  ultimo. 
I  have.  &c., 

CHAS.  F.  CONANT, 

Acting  Secretary. 


No.  37. 

Mr,  Fish  to  Mr.  Bristow. 

Department  of  State, 

Washington,  May  8,  1875. 

Sir  :  I  have  the  honor  to  acknowledge  the  receipt  of  the  note  of  May  5,  from  the 
Acting  Secretary  of  the  Treasury,  in  reference  to  the  Diplomatic  Metric  Conference, 
with  which  are  returned  dispatches  Nos.  1131  and  1134  from  the  minister  of  the  United 
States  in  Paris. 

Referring  particularly  to  dispatch  1134, 1  am  informed  [by  you]  that  the  convention 
agreed  upon  for  the  establishment  of  an  international  bureau  is  entirely  in  accordance 
with  the  views  of  your  department,  and  that  it  is  deemed  advisable  that  the  matter 


150 


METRIC   SYSTEM. 


be  proceeded  with  on  the  part  of  this  government  as  far  as  usage  in  similar  cases  will 
aliow,  and  I  am  requested,  in  case  this  department  sees  no  objection  to  the  propositions 
contained  in  the  letter,  that  Mr.  Washbume  be  instructed  to  act  in  accordance  there- 
with. 

In  reply,  I  have  to  say  that,  pursuant  to  such  request,  a  copy  of  the  letter  of  the 
Acting  Secretary  will  be  forwarded  to  Mr.  Washbume  by  the  next  mail  for  his  guid- 
ance. 

It  will  be  observed,  however,  that  in  Mr.  Washburne's  1131  he  requests  definite  in- 
Btrnctions  as  to  what  course  he  shall  pui-sue ;  and  in  his  1134  it  is  stated  that  the  text 
of  the  convention  is  to  be  formally  signed  May  20,  and  ratifications  are  to  be  exchanged 
within  six  months,  although  Mr.  Washbume  intimates  that  he  shall  then  ask  for  fur- 
ther delay. 

It  is  not  probable  that  the  copy  of  the  communication  referred  to  can  reach  Mr. 
Washbume  by  the  20th  May.  It  may  be  that  some  legislation  will  be  required  before 
this  government  can  formally  be  bound  by  the  convention. 

Should  you  have  any  directions  to  give' to  Mr.  Washbume,  in  view  of  any  of  these 
facts,  I  will  thank  you  to  inform  me. 
I  have,  <&c., 

HAMILTON  FISH. 

No.  38. 


Mr.  Cadwalader  to  Mr,  Washhurne. 


No.  700.] 


Department  of  State, 
Washington,  May  11,  1875. 
Sir:  Yoor  dispatches,  Nos.  1131  and  1134,  in  reference  to  the  Metrical  Diplomatic 
Conference,  have  been  received  and  submitted  to  the  Treasury  Department;  and  I 
transmit  herewith  a  copy  of  certain  late  correspondence  that  has  taken  place  with  the 
Treasury  on  this  question. 

Upon  the  receipt  of  the  communication  of  the  Acting  Secretary  of  the  Treasury 
dated  May  5,  1875,  that  department  was  informed  that  an  instmction  to  be  addressed 
to  you  pursuant  to  that  request  would  hardly  reach  you  by  the  ordinary  channels  prior 
to  the  20th  May,  and  it  was  suggested,  in  case  any  other  course  were  "desired  by  that 
department,  that  information  be  furnished  thereof. 

Pending  a  reply  from  the  Treasury,  the  correspondence  that  has  taken  place  up  to 
this  time  is  forwarded  for  your  information. 

You  will  perceive  from  the  communication  of  May  5,  above  referred  to,  the  views  of 
the  Treasury  couceming  your  action,  as  reported  in  vour  No.  1134. 

I  am,  &c.,  JOHN  L.  CADWALADER, 

Acting  Secretary. 

No.  39. 

Mr.  Bristow  to  Mr.  Fish. 

Treasury  Department, 
Washington,  J).  C,  May  14,  1.^75.    (Received  May  17.) 

Sir  :  In  view  of  the  statement  contained  in  your  letter  of  the  8th  instant  in  relation 
to  the  Diplomatic  Metric  Conference,  that  it  is  not  probable  that  the  letter  of  instruc- 
tion to  Mr.  Washbume  can  reach  him  in  time  to  sign  the  convention  in  question,  I 
would  suggest,  if  no  objection  occur  to  yon,  that  in  conformity  with  his  own  sugges- 
tion, contained  in  dispatch  No.  1134,  a  telegram  be  sent  him,  substantially  to  the  fol- 
lowing effect: 

"Sign  convention  with  reserves  expressed  in  your  dispatch  1134,  and  deliver  Hil- 
gard's  proxy  with  reserve  of  article  6  of  provisions  of  trausitories." 
1  have,  &c., 

B.  H.  BRISTOW. 


No.  40. 

Mr.  Fish  to  Mr.  Washbume. 

[Telegram.] 

Washington,  May  17, 1875. 
At  request  of  Treasury,  sign  convention  with  reserves  expressed  in  1134,  and  deliver 
Hilgard's  proxy  with  reserve  of  article  six  of  provisions  transitoires. 

FISH. 


■i 


-ii> 


METRIC   SYSTEM.  151 

No.  41. 

Mr.  Fish  to  Mr.  Bristow. 

Department  of  State, 
Washington,  May  18,  1875. 

Sir  :  I  have  the  honor  to  acknowledge  the  receipt  of  your  letter  of  the  14th  of  May 
in  relation  to  the  Diplomatic  Metric  Conferenoe,  and  to  inform  you  that,  as  requested 
hy  you,  the  following  telegram  was  sent  yesterday  to  Mr.  Washburne,  viz : 

"At  request  of  Treasury,  sign  convention  with  reserves  expressed  in  1134,  and  de- 
liver Hilgard's  proxy  with  reserve  of  article  six  of  provisions  transitoires." 
I  have,  &c., 

HAMILTON  FISH. 


No.  42. 


Mr.  Washbume  to  Mr.  Fish. 


No.  1167.] 


Legation  of  the  United  States, 

Paris,  May  28,  1875.    (Received  June  10.) 

Sir  :  I  have  the  honor  to  send  you  by  the  dispatch  bag  of  this  day,  separately  in- 
closed, the  convention*  which  was  agreed  upon  by  the  Diplomatic  Metrical  Confer- 
ence, signed  by  all  the  contracting  parties. 

I  also  inclose  three  printed  copies  of  the  proceedings  of  the  fourth  and  last  session 
of  the  conference. 
1  have,  &o., 

E.  B.  WASHBURNE. 


[Inclosure  with  No.  1167.— Translation.] 

Fourth  and  Last  Session, 

Thursday,  May  20,  1875. 

Under  the  presidency  of  His  Excellency  the  Duke  Decazes. 

Present : 

For  Gennany.—Uis  Highness  Prince  VoN  Hohenlohe-SchillingsfCrst,  Ambassa- 
dor Extraordinary  and  Plenipotentiary  of  H.  M.  the  Emperor  of  Germany. 

For  the  Argentine  Confederation.— Mr.  Balcarce,  Envoy  Extraordinary  and  Minister 
Plenipotentiary. 

For  Austria-Hungary. — His  Excellency  Count  Apponyi,  Ambassador  Extraordinary 
of  H.  M.  the  Emperor  of  Austria. 

For  Belgium.— Baron  Beyens,  Envoy  Extraordinary  and  Minister  Plenipotentiary  of 
H.  M.  the  King  of  the  Belgians. 

For  ^/«;t7.— Viscount  d'Itajuba,  Envoy  Extraordinary  and  Minister  Plenipotentiary 
of  H.  M.  the  Emperor  of  Brazil. 

For  JJen mark.— Count  VoN  Moltke-HviTfeldt,  Envoy  Extraordinary  and  Minister 
Plenipotentiary  of  H.  M.  the  King  of  Denmark. 

For  Spain.— Km  Excellency  the  Marquis  de  Molins,  Ambassador  Extraordinary  and 
Plenipotentiary  of  His  Catholic  Majesty,  and  General  Ibanez,  Director-General  of  the 
Geographical  and  Statistical  Institute  of  Spain  and  member  of  the  Academy  of  Sci- 
ences of  Madrid. 

For  the  United  States  of  America.— Mr.  Washburne,  Envoy  Extraordinary  and  Min- 
ister Plenipotentiary. 

For  Franca. — Duke  Decvzes,  Minister  of  Foreign  Aflfairs;  Viscount  de  Meaux,  Min- 
ister of  A};riculture  and  Commerce;  and  M.  Dumas,  ex-minister,  Perpetual  Secretary 
of  the  Academy  of  Sciences. 

For  Italy. — Chevalier  Nigra,  Envoy  Extraordinary  and  Minister  Plenipotentiary  of 
H.  M.  the  King  of  Italy. 

For  rem. — Don  Pedro  Galvez,  Envoy  Extraordinary  and  Minister  Plenipotentiary, 
and  Dm  Francisco  de  Rivero,  formerly  Minister  Plenipotentiary. 

For  Portugal. — Senhor  Jose  da  Silva  Mendes  Leal,  Envoy  Extraordinary  and  Min- 
ister Plenipotentiary  of  H.  M.  the  King  of  Portugal. 

For  Russia. — M.  Okouneff,  Counselor  of  State,  and  Counselor  of  Embassy. 

Fw  Sweden  and  yonvuy. — Mr.  Akerman,  representing  the  Envoy  Extraordinary  and 
Minister  Plenipotentiary  of  H.  M.  the  King  of  Sweden  and  Norway,  Baron  Adelsward, 
who  is  unable  to  attend  the  meeting. 

*S<J«  Document  No.  1. 


152 


METKIC    STSTEM. 


METRIC   SYSTEM. 


15a 


For  Switzerland.— VLt.  Kern,  Envoy  Extraordinary  and  Minister  Plenipotentiary  of 
the  Helvetic  Confederation. 

Fiyr  Turkey.— RVSSV.Y  Bey,  Lieut.  Colonel  of  the  General  Staff. 

For  Venezuela. — Doctor  Eliseo  Acosta. 

The  sitting  opened  at  two  o'clock. 

Conformably  with  the  decision  reached  at  the  last  sitting,  the  plenipotentiaries  have 
met  to-day,  the  20th  of  May,  at  the  Ministry  of  Foreign  Affairs,  to  proceed  to  the  sign- 
ing of  the  convention. 

After  having  mutnally  commnnicated  their  foil  powers,  the  plenipotentiaries  com- 
pared with  the  original  paragraphed  copy  the  engrossed  copies  of  the  conventiou  and 
its  annexes,  which  were  prepared  in  number  equal  to  that  of  the  contracting  states ; 
and,  all  these  acts  being  found  in  go(Kl  and  due  form,  the  plenipotentiaries  thereto  set 
their  signatures  and  the  seal  of  their  arms. 

In  consideration  of  the  great  number  of  contracting  parties,  and  following  a  mode  of 
procedure  already  adopted  at  the  time  of  the  ratification  of  the  treaties  relative  to  the 
commutation  of  the  Sound  and  Scheldt  dues  and  of  the  telegraphic  convention  of  Paris, 
the  conference  decided  the  proposal  of  Duke  Decazes,  that  the  exchange  of  the  ratifi- 
cations of  the  metrical  convention  shall  be  effected  through  the  intervention  of  France. 

The  conference  decides,  moreover,  that  the  act  which  has  just  been  signed  shall  be 
brought  officially  to  the  cognizance  of  all  the  non-signatory  states,  who  would  thus, 
through  this  courteous  step,  be  equally  free  to  exercise  the  discretionary  power  of 
accession  which  is  open  to  them  by  Article  11  of  the  convention. 

At  the  proposal  of  Chevalier  Nigra,  accepted  by  the  conference,  it  is  understood  that 
such  communication  shall  be  made  by  the  French  Minister  of  Foreign  Affairs. 

The  present  i>/oce»  re/few/,  drawn  up  during  the  sitting,  being  read  and  approved,  the 
conference  broke  up  at  ^  o'clock. 

HOHENLOHE. 

BALCARCE. 

APPONYI. 

BEYENS. 

VISCOUxXT  D'lTAJUBA. 

L.  MOLTKE-HVITFELDT. 

MOLINS. 

IBANEZ. 

E.  B.  WASHBURNE. 

DECAZES. 

C.  DE  MEAUX. 

DUMAS. 

NIGRA. 

P.  GALVEZ. 

FRANCISCO  DE  RIVERO. 

MENDEZ  LEAL. 

OKOUNEFF. 

H.  AKERMAN, 

For  Baron  Adelsward,  prevented. 
KERN. 
HUSNY. 
E.  ACOSTA. 
ERNEST  CRAMPON, 

Secretary  of  the  Conference, 


<\> 


thing,  without  first  stating  that  it  was  done  subject  to  the  approval  of  my  govern- 
ment. 

By  referring  to  the  proces-verbal  of  our  second  meeting,  April  12th,*  you  will  see 
(page  13)  that  in  assenting  to  project  No.  1, 1  said  it  was  under  the  reservation  of  the 
future  approval  of  my  government. 

At  the  next  meeting,  April  16,  called  for  the  purpose  of  giving  to  that  project  the 
form  of  an  international  convention  to  authenticate  its  text  by  preliminary  signa- 
tures, and  to  fix  the  time  for  the  exchange  of  ratifications,  1  assented  to  the  delay  of 
six  months  ;  but  I  stated,  at  the  same  time,  it  would  not  be  sufficient  for  me  and  I  had 
it  inserted  in  the  proce's-verbal  (page  6)  that  at  the  expiration  of  that  period  I  would  be 
entitled  to  another  delay.  At  the  same  meeting  we  decided  that  the  convention  should 
be  formally  signed  on  the  20th  of  May,  and,  according  to  your  instructions,  I  affixed 
my  signature  on  that  day. 

But  I  beg  leave  to  remark  that  that  signature  binds  the  government  no  further  than 
the  conditional  approval  given  by  me  at  the  same  meeting  of  the  conference.  In  fact, 
it  is  the  same  thing.  When  I  stated,  at  that  second  meeting,  that  I  was  ready  to  aign, 
subject  to  your  approval,  the  Duke  Decazes,  president  of  the  conference,  took  care  to 
explain  that  certain  governments,  who  then  approved  the  convention,  were  themselves 
acting  subject  to  the  approval  of  their  legislatures.  It  is,  therefore,  distinctly  under- 
stood that  the  convention,  as  I  send  it  to  yon,  will  be  null  and  void  as  far  asconcerna 
the  United  States  if  not  ratified  within  the  time  above-mentioned. 

As  for  the  immediate  organization  of  the  international  committee,  its  necessity  was 
obvious.  Scientific  men  of  high  standing  had  been  called  together  from  distant  coun- 
tries, and  if  they  had  not  organized  at  once,  no  such  opportunity  would  have  been 
found  again.  It  was  therefore  decided  that  they  should  be  authorized  to  do  so,  with 
the  understanding,  however,  that  their  action  should  not  involve  any  expense  for  the 
states  participating  before  the  exchange  of  the  ratifications ;  and  this  clause  was  made 
part  of  annex  No.  2  {disjwsitions  transitolres)  to  the  treaty,  article  t). 

Under  those  circumstances,  I  thought  it  was  to  the  interest  of  our  country  that  Mr. 
Hilgard,  who  was  made  a  member  of  the  International  Committee  by  article  8  of  annex 
No.  1  (Mglement)  to  the  convention,  should  be  put  in  a  situation  to  take  part  in  the 
definitive  organization  of  the  International  Bureau  of  Weights  and  Measures. 
I  have,  &.C., 

E.  B.  WASHBURNE. 


No.  44. 


Mr.  Cadwalader  to  Mr.  Washburne. 


-( 


No.  713.] 


1875. 


No.  43. 


Mr.  Waifhburne  to  Mr.  Fish. 

No.  1169.]  Legation  of  the  United  States, 

Paris,  May  28,  1875.    (Received  June  10.) 

Sir  :  I  have  the  honor  to  acknowledge  the  receipt  of  your  dispatch  No.  700  trans- 
mitting a  copy  of  certain  correspondence  that  has  taken  place  with  the  Treasury  De- 
partment on  the  subject  of  the  Metrical  Convention. 

It  appears,  on  referring  to  that  correspondence,  that  a  doubt  has  existed  as  to  the 
extent  to  which  my  action  might  involve  the  government  in  future  liabilities,  and  the 
propriety  of  organizing  a  body  the  actual  existence  of  which  depends  on  a  future  ap- 
proval. 

Though  by  tlie  note  of  May  5  of  the  Acting  Secretary  of  the  Treasury  that  doubt 
seems  to  have  disappeared,  I  will  take  the  liberty  to  add  here  further  explanations. 

During  the  whole  of  the  proceedings  of  the  diplomatic  conference,  I  have  been  care- 
ful to  neither  give  my  formal  assent  to  any  proposition,  nor  affix  my  signature  to  any- 


Department  of  State, 
Washington,  June  11, 

Sir  :  Your  No.  1169,  in  which  you  make  further  explanations  in  connection  with  th& 
International  Metrical  Convention,  has  been  received. 

The  convention  assigned  by  the  several  delegates  has  also  been  received. 

The  department  has  remarked  the  care  taken  by  you,  pursuant  to  your  instructions^ 
to  avoid  committing  the  government  before  the  necessary  formal  approval  shall  have 
been  obtained.  It  is,  perhaps,  proper  to  say  that  the  correspondence  with  the  Treas- 
ury, a  copy  of  which  was  transmitted  to  you,  and  which  is  referred  to  in  your  dispatch, 
was  not  occasioned  by  any  doubt  as  to  your  action,  or  from  any  fear  of  a  complication 
through  your  acts.  It  was,  however,  thought  proper,  in  this  and  much  other  corre- 
spondence with  the  Treasury  on  this  question,  to  place  the  matter  clearly  before  that 
department. 

I  am,  &c.,  JOHN  L.  CADWALADER, 

Acting  Secretary. 


No.  45. 


Mr.  Hitt  to  Mr.  Fish. 


No.  1264.  J 


Legation  of  the  United  States, 
Paris,  December  10,  1875.    (Received  December  23.) 
Sir  :  I  have  the  honor  to  transmit  herewith  inclosed  a  communication  from  General 
Ibanez,  president  of  the  International  Committee  of  Weights  and  Measures,  accom- 
panied by  a  table  of  the  contributions  for  the  support  of  the  bureau,  calculated  in 

*Xot  translated  for  transmission  herewith. 


154 


METRIC    SYSTEM. 


<;onformity  with  article  9  of  the  conveutiou  recently  entered  into,  and  article  20  of  the 
regnlatious  thereto  attached,  of  which  contrihutions  it  will  he  seen  that  the  propor- 
tion assigned  to  the  United  States  amounts  to  38,854  francs  for  the  estahlishment  of 
the  bureau,  and  7,285  francs  for  the  annual  expenses  of  next  year. 

I  suggest  that  these  papers  be  placed  before  Professor  Hilgard,  that  he  may  verify 
the  calculations  before  any  action  is  taken.  If  the  convention  is  confirmed  by  the 
^nate,  we  will,  of  course,  be  bound  to  pay  our  contribution. 

I  have,  &c.,  E.  R.  HITT. 

[Inclosure  1  with  No.  45. — Translation.] 
General  Ihanez  to  Jlr.  Washhurne. 


^  y 


METRIC   SYSTEM. 


No.  46. 
Mr.  Brhtow  to  Mr.  Fish. 


155 


t 


International  Committee  of  Weights  axd  Measures, 

Xeuchdiel,  Xovemher  29,  1875. 

Mr.  Minister  :  We  have  the  honor  to  transmit  to  your  excellency  the  table  of  the 
contributions  for  International  Bureau  of  Weights  and  Measures,  calculated  conform- 
ably with  article  9  of  the  convention  and  article  20  of  the  regulations,  and  based 
upon  the  official  data  which  we  have  received  from  the  contracting  governments,  and       / 
in  particular  from  your  excellency  by  the  letter  which  you  were  pleased  to  address  us  —V 
the  19th  of  last  July.  \ 

It  appears  from  the  table  that  the  part  to  be  contributed  by  the  United  States  of 
America  is  38,8.54  francs  for  the  costs  of  establishment,  payable  at  the  commencement 
of  1876  according  to  article  10  of  the  convention ;  7,285  francs  for  annual  expenses 
during  the  first  period,  likewise  payable  at  the  commencement  of  1876 ;  and  4,857 
francs  for  the  annual  expenses  of  the  subsequent  period. 

We  have  to  state  that  the  delay  in  making  the  final  calculation  of  the  contributions      / 
is  due  solely  to  the  fact  that  the  committee  did  not  receive  until  the  26th  of  October  -~^ 
the  last  official  information  asked  for  on  the  7th  of  June.    We  have  at  once  calculated     V 
the  table  and  thereupon  have  circulated  it  among  the  members  of  the  committee,  and      ^ 
we  hasten  to  transmit  it  to  your  excellency  at  the  very  moment  of  receiving  the  ap- 
probation of  the  committee. 
Accept,  sir,  &c., 

GENERAL  IBANEZ,  President. 

Dr.  Ad.  Hirsch,  Secretary,  / 

—  ^ 

[Inclosure  2  with  No.  45.] 

Table  showing  the  amounts  to  be  contributed  by  the  different  states  toward  the  International 

Bureau  of  Weights  and  Measures, 


Treasury  Department, 
December  17,  1875.    (Received  December  18.) 

Sir:  I  have  the  honor  to  inclose  herewith  a  copy  of  a  letter  of  this  date  from  Mr.  J. 
E.  Hilgard,  assistant  United  States  Coast  Survey,  in  which  reference  is  made  to  the 
fact  that  in  signing  the  convention  for  the  establishment  of  an  International  Bureau 
of  Weights  and  Measures  the  American  minister  at  Paris  reserved  the  privilege  of  ask- 
ing a  further  delay  on  the  part  of  the  United  States  on  account  of  the  impracticability 
of  obtaining  the  action  of  the  Senate  before  the  20th  of  the  present  mouth,  which  was 
the  date  fixed  on  for  ratification ;  and  it  is  suggested  that  a  telegram  be  sent  to  the 
American  minister  at  Paris  requesting  a  delay  until  the  20th  of  March,  1876,  in  order 
to  give  full  time  to  the  Senate  for  discussion* 

I  have  therefore  to  request  that,  if  not  inconsistent  with  the  public  interests  com- 
mitted to  your  charge,  you  will  cause  a  telegram  to  be  sent  to  the  American  minister 
at  Paris,  requesting  him  to  ask  that  the  ratification  of  the  convention  referred  to  be 
V    delayed  on  the  part  of  the  United  States  until  the  20th  of  March,  1876. 
/  I  have  the  honor  to  be,  sir,  your  obedient  servant, 

B.  H.  BRISTOW, 

Secretary, 
Hon.  Hamilton  Fish, 

Secretary  of  State. 


I 


y 


V 


states. 


1    Gei-many 

2a   C  Austria , 

26    I  Hungary 

3  Belfiiuni 

4  Argentine  Confederation ' 

5  Denmark 

6  Spain 

7  United  States  of  America 

8  France 

9  Italy 

10  Peru I 

11  Portugal 

12  Bnssia 

13a  <  Sweden. 

136    I  Norway 

14  Switzerland 

15  Turkey 

16  Yeneznela 


a 
o 

i 

•f^ 

H 

Annual  expenses. 

S 

P.S 

rest 

Population. 

s 

OS    . 
S6h 

Ist  period, 

2d  period. 

s 
3 

F.  75,000. 

F.  50,000. 

1 

s 

Unit, 

Unit, 

Unit. 

6 
O 

3 

I 

F.  498,13. 

F.     93.40. 

F.     62.27. 

41. 010. 150 

123 

F.    61,270 

F.    11,488 

F.    7,659 

20, 136, 2^*3 

3 

60 

29,888 

5,604 

3,736 

15,  508.  575 

3 

47 

29, 412 

4,390 

2,927 

5,  25:^,  821 

3 

16 

7,970 

1,494 

996 

2. 000,  000 

2 

4 

1,993 

374 

949 

2.0(10,000 

1 

2 

996 

187 

ISS 

24,  236.  5iK) 

3 

73 

36,  :%3 

6,818 

4,546 

38, 925,  59d 

2 

78 

38,854 

7,285 

4,857 

40,  943,  120 

3 

123 

61, 270 

11, 488 

7,659 

2C.  801, 154 

3 

80 

39,850 

7,472 

4,982 

2,  500.  000 

3 

8 

3.985 

747 

498 

5,  400,  000 

3 

16 

7.970 

1,494 

996 

76,  500,  000 

1 

77 

38,356 

7,192 

4,795 

4,341,559 

1 

4 

1.993 

874 

919 

1,  795,  000 

2 

4 

1,993 

374 

919 

2,  669,  147 

2 

5 

2,491 

467 

311 

39,  000,  000 

2 

78 

38.854 

7,285 

4,857 

1,  784, 194 

3 

5 

2,491 

467 

311 

350,  850, 191 

a   •   •  • 

803 

399,999 

75,000 

50,002 

s 


[Inclosure.] 
Mr.  Hilgard  to  Mr.  Bri-^fow. 

Bureau  of  Weights  and  Measures, 
United  States  Coast  Survey  Office, 

December  17,  1875. 

Sir:  In  view  of  the  fact  that  the  convention  for  the  establishment  of  an  Interna- 
tional Bureau  of  Weights  and  Measures  was  to  be  ratified  on  the  20th  instant,  and 
that  the  American  minister  in  signing  the  convention  reserved  the  privilege  of  asking 
a  further  delay  on  the  part  of  the  United  States,  on  account  of  the  impracticability  of 
obtaining  the  action  of  the  Senate  before  that  date,  I  would  respectfully  suggest  that 
the  Secretary  of  State  be  requested  to  telegraph  to  the  American  minister  at  Paris  to 
ask  for  such  delay  at  the  time  fixed  for  the  exchange  of  ratifications.  As  the  matter 
is  not  pressing  in  its  nature,  I  would  suggest  a  delay  until  the  20th  of  March,  1876, 
which  Will  give  full  time  for  discussion. 
Very  respectfuUv, 

J.  E.  HILGARD, 
Assistant  in  Charge,  for  Superintendent  of  Weights  and  Measures. 

Hon.  Secretary  of  the  Treasury. 


r 


y 


No.  47. 

Mr.  Fish  to  Mr.  Hitt. 
[Telegram.] 


pro\ 


Washington,  December  18,  187,5. 

Treasury  requests  extension  time  for  ratification  Metrical  Convention,  if  not  already 
ovided.    See  Washburne's  eleven  hundred  and  sixty-nine. 

FISH. 


No.  48. 

Mr.  Hitt  to  Mr.  Fish. 
[Telegram,  received  at  1.30  p.  m.,  December  19, 1875.1 

^ISH,  Secretary,  Washington  : 
Will  to-Diorrow  ask  extension  two  months  for  ratification. 


Paris. 
HITT. 


156 


UETSIC   SYSTEM. 


i 


METRIC   SYSTEM. 


157 


No.  49. 


Mr.  mtt  to  Mr.  Fish. 


No.  1270.]  Legation  of  the  United  States, 

Paris,  December  20,  1875.    (Received  Jan.  6,  1876.) 

Sir:  At  two  o'clock  this  afternoon  the  diplomatic  representatives  of  Belgium,  Den- 
mark, France,  Germany,  Italy,  Pern,  Russia,  Spain,  Sweden  and  Norway,  Switzerland, 
and  Tnrkey,  exchanged  ratifications  of  the  International  Metrical  Convention,  in  the 
manner  prescribed  by  the  protocol  of  the  conference  of  May  20,  1875.    The  proceed- 
ings took  place  at  the  Palace  of  Yei*8ailles,  instead  of  Paris,  in  consequence  of  the  fact^/ 
that  the  Duke  Decazes  was  kept  all  day  at  Versailles,  by  a  council  of  ministers  in  the^ 
forenoon,  and  the  session  of  the  Assembly,  still  engaged  in  balloting  for  senators,  in      '» 
the  afternoon. 

There  was  at  first  informal  conversation  in  regard  to  the  position  of  each  of  the 
powers  represented.    I  stated,  in  conformity  with  your  telegram  of  Satunlay,  that 
our  government  desired  an  extension  of  the  time  fixed  for  ratification  ;  that  the  Sen- 
ate having  recently  convened  had  not  yet  acted  on  the  convention,  and  I  therefore 
asked  two  mouths'  delay.    Similar  remarks  were  made  by  several  others,  all  of  which      y 
obser\'ations  were  then  restated  by  the  Duke  Decazes,  in  formal  summary  as  you  will  ^~K 
see  fully  set  forth  in  the  printed  proceedings,  of  which  I  inclose  two  copies.    The      ^ 
delays  asked  were  accorded. 

In  pursuance  of  a  suggestion  from  Dr.  Kern,  the  Swiss  minister,  it  was  understood 
that  these  extensions  of  the  time  of  ratification  should  not  operate  to  delay  the  date, 
January  1.  l^i7G,  tised  by  article  14,  for  putting  the  convention  in  execution  ;  and  that 
the  proportion  of  the  contributions  to  be  paid  by  each  of  the  powers  who  might  here- 
after exchange  ratifications  should  be  the  same  as  if  they  had  exchanged  ratifications 
to-day. 

I  have,  &€., 

R.  R.  HITT. 


<\y 


y 


r 


"  The  Argentine  Republic  and  Venezuela  solicit  on  their  part  the  favor  of  a  delay  of 
indeterminate  duration. 

"  One  only  of  the  states  signing  the  convention,  Brazil,  has,  in  the  last  place,  resolved 
not  to  join  in  the  common  work." 

Conformably  with  the  clause  inserted  in  the  protocol  of  the  conference  of  April  15, 

1875,  the  delays  requested  by  the  divers  states  are  accorded. 

It  is  well  understood,  however,  that  these  delays  in  no  manner  affect  the  14th  article 
of  the  convention  fixing  the  epoch  of  its  taking  effect,  and  that,  consequently,  the  pro- 
portional pecuniary  charges  depending  thereon  shall  be  borne  from  the  Ist  of  January, 

1876,  by  those  among  the  contracting  states  which  may  exchange  their  ratifications 
later,  the  same  as  by  those  which  have  found  themselves  enabled  to  do  so  to-day. 

The  exchange  of  the  ratifications  between  Germany,  Belgium,  Denmark,  Spain,  Italy, 
Peru,  Russia,  Sweden  and  Norway,  Switzerland,  Turkey,  and  France,  was  then  effected, 
following  the  procedure  agreed  upon  and  determined  in  the  protocol  of  the  conference 

of  May  20,  1875.  ^       ^     ^  „  u 

The  ulterior  exchange  of  the  postponed  ratifications,  so  soon  as  effected,  shall  be 
brought  to  the  cognizance  of  the  contracting  states  by  a  circular  letter  of  the  French 

Minister  of  Foreign  Affairs. 

WESDEHLEN. 

BEYENS. 

L.  MOLTKE-HVITFELDT. 

MOLINS. 

DECAZES. 

NIGRA. 

P.  GALVEZ. 

OKOUNEFF. 

G.  ADELSWARD. 

KERN. 

NASRI. 

ERNEST  CRAMPON, 

The  Secretary  of  the  Conference* 


[Inclosnre. — Translation.] 

Minutes  of  the  sitting  held  at  the  Chdtean  of  Versailles^  December  20,  1875,  for  the  exchange 

of  the  ratifications  of  tlte  Metrical  Convention. 

Present : 

For  Germany. — Count  von  Wesdehlen,  Charge  d' Affaires. 

For  Belgium.— BsLTon  Beyens.  Envoy  Extraordinary  and  Minister  Plenipotentiary. 

For  Denmark. — Count  voN  Moltke-Hvitfeldt,  Envoy  Extraordinary  and  Minister 
Plenipotentiary.  > 

For  Spain. — H.  E.  the  Marquis  de  Molins,  Ambassador  Extraordinary  and  Plenipo-    i 
tentiary.  ^  > 

For  the  United  States  of  America. — Mr.  Hitt,  Charge  d'Affaires. 

For  France. — H.  E.  the  Duke  Decazes,  Minister  of  Foreign  Affairs. 

For  Italy. — Chevalier  Nigra,  Envoy  Extraordinary  and  Minister  Plenipotentiary. 

For  Peru. — Mr.  Pedro  Galvez,  Envoy  Extraordinary  and  Minister  Plenipotentiary. 

For  Russia. — M.  Okouneff,  Counselor  of  State  and  Embassy. 

For  Sweden  and  Xorway. — Baron  Adelsward,  Envoy  Extraordinary  and  Minister 
Plenipotentiary. 

For  Switzerland. — Mr.  Kern,  Envoy  Extraordinary  and  Minister  Plenipotentiary. 

For  Turkey. — Naski  Bey,  First  Secretary  of  Embassy. 

His  Excellency  Duke  Decazes  made  the  following  commnnications: 
"  The  project  of  convention  voted  by  the  Chambers  of  Deputies  of  Austria  and  Hun- 
gary has  hitherto  not  been  submitted  to  the  deliberations  of  the  Chambers  of  Lords 
of  those  two  countries.  Although  this  delay  makes  it  impossible  for  the  Austro- 
Hnngarian  Government  to  co-operate  in  the  immediate  exchange  of  the  ratifications, 
the  question  of  principle  is  in  no  wise  affected  thereby,  and  His  Excellency  Count 
Apponyi  has  been  authorized  to  declare  in  the  most  formal  manner  that  his  govern- 
ment tacitly  considers  the  convention  as  entering  into  operation  at  the  epoch  fixed, 
and  has  no  objection  to  all  necessary  measures  being  forthwith  taken  by  the  interna- 
tional committee. 

"  The  Portuguese  Government  has  not  obtained  the  legislative  sanction  of  the  Parlia- 
ment, which  resumes  its  sessions  on  the  2d  of  next  January,  and  the  Government  of  ^/ 
the  United  States  of  America  is  in  like  manner  obliged  to  await  the  vote  of  the  Senate,  "^ 
whose  sessions  is  now  about  to  open.    These  two  governments  have,  therefore,  need  of 
a  delay  of  about  two  months  in  the  production  of  their  ratifications. 


\ 


Sir 


^ 


No.  50. 
Mr.  Cadwalader  to  Mr.  Bristoiv. 

Department  of  State, 

Washington,  December  28,  1875. 

o*iv.  Referring  to  previous  correspondence  upon  the  subject  of  an  International 

V   Bureau  of  Weights  and  Measures,  I  have  the  honor  to  inclose  herewith  for  your  mfor- 

r   mation  a  copy  of  a  dispatch  (No.  1264,  dated  December  10)*  from  the  legation  of  the 

^      United  States  at  Paris,  with  its  accompaniments,  viz,  a  communication  from  General 

Ibauez,  president  of  the  International  Committee  of  Weights  and  Measures,  and  a  table 

of  the  contributions  required  of  each  country  participating  in  the  establishment  and 

maintenance  of  such  a  bureau. 

I  have  the  honor  to  be,  sir,  your  obedient  servant, 

VJOHN  L.  CADWALADER, 
Acting  Secretary, 
Hon.  Benjamin  H.  Bristow, 
Secretary  of  the  Treasury. 


No.  51. 


No.  770.] 


> 


Mr.  Cadwalader  to  Mr.  Hitt. 

Department  of  State, 

Washington,  December  28,  1875. 

Sir:  Referring  to  your  telegram  of  the  19th  instant,  in  reply  to  that  of  the  depart- 
ment of  the  18th,  in  which  you  express  your  intention,  on  the  20th  instant,  to  ask  for 
an  extension  of  two  months  for  the  exchange  of  ratifications  of  the  metrical  conven- 
tion, I  hftve  to  inclose  you  a  copy  of  a  letter  from  the  Secretary  of  the  Treasury  of  the 
17th  instant,  t  and  its  accompaniment,  upon  which  letter  the  telegram  addressed  to  you 


*  See  Document  No.  45. 


t  See  Document  No.  46. 


158 


METRIC    SYSTEM. 


METRIC    SYSTEM. 


159 


was  based.    Yon  will  perceive  that  the  Secretary  of  the  Treasury  names  the  20th  of 
March  as  the  extension  desired  by  that  department.    It  is  anticipated  that  although 
Mr.  Washburne  had  intended  to  ask  the  extension  at  the  date  fixed  for  the  ratification 
of  the  convention,  no  difficulty  will  be  found  in  obtaining  the  required  extension,  and      / 
you  are  instructed  to  make  known  the  wishes  of  the  Treasury  Department  in  the  ^^ 
proper  quarter.  \ 

It  may  be  added  that  the  Treasury  Department  has  been  informed  that  the  20th  of 
December  was,  as  is  believed,  the  date  informally  fixed  for  ratification. 
I  am,  &c.. 

JOHN  L.  CADWALADER, 

Acting  Secretary, 


No.  52. 


Mr,  Waalthurne  to  Mr,  Fish, 


"i 


No.  1284.] 


Legation  op  the  United  States, 
Paris,  February  4,  1876.    (Received  February  21.)  / 

Sir  :  Upon  the  receipt  of  your  instructions  No.  770,  December  23,  1875,  the  secretary  "a. 
of  this  legation  communicated  to  the  Duke  Decazes  the  fact  that  the  United  States      ^ 
desired  an  extension  until  March  20,  1876,  of  the  time  for  exchanging  ratifications  of 
the  metrical  convention.    A  letter  from  the  Duke  Decazes,  in  reply,  January  31, 1876, 
assents  to  the  delay  requested,  which  had  indeed  been  provided  for  at  the  meeting  of 
the  representatives  of  the  powers  parties  to  the  convention  December  20,  1875. 
I  have,  &c., 

E.  B.  WASHBURNE.         / 

No.  53. 

Mr.  Fish  to  Mr.  Bristow. 

Department  of  State,  / 

^  February  17,  1876.     ^ 

Sir  :  Referring  to  previous  correspondence  in  reference  to  the  metrical  convention 
some  time  since  concluded  in  Paris,  I  have  the  honor  to  inform  you  that  I  have  caused 
a  translation,  which  was  submitted  to  you  for  approval,  to  be  carefully  examined  since 
its  return  from  your  Department,  and  have  adopted  almost  entirely  all  the  modifica- 
tions suggested  in  the  communication  addressed  to  you  from  the  Bureau  of  Weights 
and  Measures.  ^ 

Some  few  changes  have  been  made  with  a  view  of  presenting  the  formal  parts  of  the      / 
convention  in  more  perfect  translation.    I  now  submit  to  you  a  copy  of  a  translation      i^ 
of  the  entire  convention,*  which,  if  requested  by  you,  I  will  cause  to  be  submitted, 
with  the  original,  by  the  President  for  the  action  of  the  Senate. 

As  the  matter  in  question  pertains  properly  to  your  department,  it  is  supposed  that 
any  information  or  communication  which  may  properly  be  made  in  furtherance  of  the 
ratification  of  the  convention,  or  in  reference  to  legislation  respecting  the  same,  will 
be  made  from  your  department.  I  will  thank  you  to  return  the  translation  at  an  early 
day  with  an  expression  of  your  views  concerning  the  subject. 
I  have,  &c., 

HAMILTON  FISH. 


y 


with  the  main  view  of  affording  the  Senate  opportunity  for  full  deliberation  upon  the 
Bubject,  a  further  postponement  (but  within  the  limits  of  the  present  session  of  the 
Senate)  of  the  date  for  ratifying  the  convention  by  our  own  government. 
I  have  the  honor  to  be,  sir,  your  obedient  servant, 

B.  H.  BRISTOW, 

Secretary, 
Hon.  Hamilton  Fish, 

Secretary  of  State. 


\ 


r 


[Inclosure.] 
Mr.  Patterson  to  Mr.  Bristow. 


United  States  Coast  Sur\^y  Office, 

WasMnyton,  March  4,  1876. 

Sir  :  I  have  had  the  honor  to  receive  with  Department  letter  of  February  23  notice 
through  the  State  Department,  as  made  known  to  the  honorable  Secretary  of  State  by 
the  American  minister  at  Paris,  that  the  Duke  Decazes  had  officially  assented  to  a  pro- 
\  posed  extension  until  March  20, 1876  (instant),  of  the  time  for  exchanging  ratifications 
f  by  the  several  governments  of  the  convention  which  resulted  from  a  previous  Inter- 
national Conference  in  regard  to  a  Bureau  of  Weights  and  Measures. 

With  reference  to  the  near  approach  of  the  limit  in  time,  as  now  appointed  (March 
20,  1876),  for  ratification,  and  in  order  to  afford  the  Senate  opportiinity  for  such  delib- 
eration as  could  not  be  practicable  in  the  absence  of  a  comprehensive  statement  of  the 
objects  of  the  convention,  which  statement,  as  prepared  by  Prof.  J.  E.  Hilgard,  one 

yof  the  American  delegates  at  the  International  Conference,  I  had  the  honor  to  trans- 
mit to  the  Department,  under  date  of  March  3  instant,  I  would  respectfully  suggest 
for  consideration  by  the  honorable  Secretary  of  State  that  a  further  postponement 
seems  desirable  of  the  date  (but  within  the  present  Senate  session)  for  ratifying  the 
convention  by  our  government. 
Very  respectfully, 

C.  P.  PATTERSON, 
Superintenilent  United  States  Coast  Survey  and  Weights  and  Measures, 

VHon.  B.  H.  Bristow, 
Secretary  of  the  Treasury. 

No.  56. 


Mr.  Fish  to  Mr.  Washburne. 


No.  787.] 


Department  of  State, 

Washington,  March  8,  1876. 

Sir  :  I  herewith  transmit  to  you  a  copy  of  a  letter  from  the  Secretary  of  the  Treas- 
ury, dated  the  6th  instant,  and  of  its  acompaniment,  upon  the  subject  of  extending 
the  time  in  which  to  exchange  the  ratifications  of  the  metrical  convention. 

You  are  requested  to  efl:'ect  a  postponement  of  these  ratifications  to  such  date  as  can 

be  obtained,  say  for  sixty  or  ninety  days,  if  possible. 

I  am,  4&c., 

HAMILTON  FISH. 


No.  55. 


Mr,  Bristow  to  Mr.  Fish, 

Treasury  Department, 
March  6, 1876.    (Received  March  7.) 

Sir  :  I  have  the  honor  to  transmit  herewith  a  copy  of  a  letter  of  the  4th  instant,  from 
Mr.  C.  P.  Patterson,  Superintendent  of  the  United  States  Coast  Survey,  in  which  he 
refers  to  the  extension  of  the  time  until  March  20th  instant  for  exchanging  ratifica- 
tions of  the  metrical  convention  by  the  several  governments  interested,  and  suggests, 

*  See  Document  No.  1. 


No.  57. 

Mr.  Fish  to  Mr.  Bristow, 

Department  of  State, 

Washington,  March  9,  1876. 

Sir  :  I  have  the  honor  to  acknowledge  the  receipt  of  your  letter  of  the  6th  instant, 
with  its  accompaniment,  suggesting  a  further  extension  of  the  time  within  which  to 
exchange  the  ratifications  of  the  metrical  convention ;  and  to  inform  you  that  the 
minister  of  the  United  States  at  Paris  has  been  requested  to  use  his  eftbrts  to  procure 
a  further  postponement  to  such  date  as  can  be  obtained. 
I  have  the  honor  to  be,  sir,  your  obedient  servant, 

HAMILTON  FISH. 

Hon.  Benjamin  H.  Bristow, 

Secretary  of  the  Treasury, 


160 


METRIC   SYSTEM. 


No.  58. 


Mr»  Waahburne  to  Mr.  Fiah, 


METRIC   SYSTEM. 


161 


No.  1372.} 


Legation  of  the  United  States, 
Paris,  September  21,  1876.    (Received  October  6.) 

Sir:  By  your  dispatch  No.  787,  of  March  8,  you  instructed  me  to  request  an  exten- 
«ion  of  time  of  thirty  or  ninety  days  for  the  exchange  of  ratifications  of  the  metrical 
convention.  I  have  done  so,  and  obtained  from  the  Duke  Decazes  a  delay  of  ninety 
days  from  the  28th  of  March  last. 

This  delay  has  expired  long  ago,  and  I  have  received  from  Dr.  Hirsch,  the  secretary      >' 
of  the  International  Committee  on  Weights  uud  Measures,  a  request  to  inform  the  com-  "^ 
mittee  if  our  Senate  had  approved  the  convention  and  what  the  intentions  of  our  gov-      ' 
«nimeut  were  in  relation  to  the  matter. 

As  the  Duke  Decazes  and  other  parties  to  the  metrical  convention  may  at  any  mo- 
ment call  upon  me  for  the  same  information,  I  would  be  obliged  to  you  to  let  me  know 
what  I  am  to  answer. 
I  have,  &e.f 

E.  B.  WASHBURNE.         y 

—  .        i 

No.  59. 

Mr.  Mmrill  to  Mr.  Fish. 

Treasury  Department,  / 

October  20,  1876.    (Received  October  23.)       V 

Sir  :  I  have  the  honor  to  acknowledge  the  receipt  of  yoar  communication  of  the  7th      ^ 
instant,  inclosing  a  copy  of  a  dispatch  uf  the  21st  ultimo  from  the  minister  of  the 
United  States  at  Paris,  relating  to  the  expiration  of  the  time  for  exchanging  the  rati- 
fications of  the  International  Metrical  Convention,  and  requesting  an  expression  of 
the  views  of  this  department  upon  the  course  proper  to  be  taken  in  the  matter. 

In  reply,  I  inclose  a  copy  of  a  letter,  of  the  17th  instant,  from  the  Superintendent  of 
the  Coast  Survey,  whose  views  upon  the  subject  were  requested,  in  which,  alluding  to       / 
the  postponement  of  action  upon  the  matter  by  the  Committee  on  Foreign  Relations   ^ 
of  the  Senate  at  the  last  session  of  Congress,  he  suggests,  in  view  of  the  probably  fa- 
vorable action  in  regard  to  the  Metrical  Couventiou  by  Congress  at  its  next  session, 
that  a  further  extension  of  time  for  exchanging  the  ratitications  be  secured — say  until 
the  12th  of  April,  1877 ;  and  I  have  accordingly  respectfully  to  recommend  that  you 
will  take  the  proper  course  to  secure,  if  practicable,  an  extension  of  the  time  for  ex- 
changing the  contemplated  ratitications  of  the  Metrical  Convention  on  the  part  of  the 
United  States  until  the  date  above  named,  with  the  view  to  the  necessary  action  being       /'' 
taken  in  the  matter  by  Congress  at  its  coming  session.  "^ 

The  copy  of  the  printed  memorial  to  Congress,  in  favor  of  an  International  Bureau 
of  "Weights  and  Measures,  referred  to  by  the  letter  of  the  Superintendent  of  the  Coast 
Survey,  as  showing  the  favorable  consideration  the  proposed  establishment  has  received 
irom  many  eminent  and  influential  citizens,  is  herewith  inclosed. 
I  have  the  honor  to  be,  your  obedient  servant, 

L.  M.  MORRILL,  Secretary. 

Hon.  Hamilton  Fish,  / 


> 


of  Foreign  Relations  of  the  Senate,  I  would  respectfully  suggest  that  the  honorable 
Secretary  of  State  be  requested  to  secure  a  further  extension  of  time,  sufficient  to  cover 
the  action  of  Congress  at  the  next  session — say  until  the  12th  of  April,  1877. 

The  convention  will  most  probably  be  ratified  at  an  early  date  in  the  next  session, 
and  there  is  no  reason  to  suppose  that  objection  will  be  made  in  the  House  of  Repre- 
sentatives to  the  small  appropriation  requisite  for  carrying  the  convention  into  effect. 
That  the  proposition  has  been  well  considered  is  shown  by  the  accompanying  copy  of 
the  memorial  to  Congress  from  universities,  colleges,  manufacturers,  bankers,  and  in- 
telligent citizens  of  all  pursuits  throughout  the  several  States  of  the  Union. 

The  State  Department  letter  of  October  7,  and  letter  of  Minister  Washburne,  dated 
September  21,  are  herewith  returned. 
Very  respectfully  yours, 

C.  P.  PATTERSON, 
St(perini(')i<I(»t  Uniicd  States  Coast  Survey  and  Standard  Wt'iyhts  and  Measures, 
Hon.  Lot  M.  Mokrill, 

Secretary  of  the  Treasury. 


y 


No.  60. 

Mr,  Cadwaladcr  to  Mr.  JVaslihnrne. 


No.  844.] 


Department  of  State, 

Washington,  October  25,  1876. 

Sir  :  Referring  to  your  No.  1372  of  the  2l8t  ultimo,  relating  to  the  expiration  of  the 
time  for  exchanging  the  ratifications  of  the  International  Metricfil  Convention,  and  to 
the  expediency  of  asking  a  further  extension  for  the  ratification  by  this  government 

Vof  the  convention,  I  have  now  to  inclose  a  copy  of  a  letter  of  the  20th  instant,  and  of 
its  accompaniments,  from  the  Secretary  of  the  Treasury,  to  whom  the  matter  was  re- 
ferred, and  to  request  that,  pursuant  to  the  suggestion  contained  therein,  you  will  do 
what  you  possibly  can  toward  effecting  a  further  extension  of  time  until  the  12th  of 
April,  1877,  in  order  that  proper  action  may  be  taken  thereon  by  Congress  at  its  ensuing 
session. 

I  am,  &c., 
^  JOHN  L.  CADWALADER, 

Actiny  Secretary. 


r 


No.  61. 


Mr.  Washburne  to  Mr.  Fish. 


No.  1404.] 


V 


r 


Secretary  of  State. 


y 


Legation  of  the  United  States, 
Paris,  Xorem1>er  15,  1876.    (Received  December  2.) 

Sir  :  In  compliance  with  tlie  instructions  contained  in  your  No.  844, 1  have  the  honor 
to  state  that  I  have  made  the  necessary  application  for  a  further  extension  of  time, 
until  Ai>ril  12,  1877,  for  the  ratification  of  the  Metrical  Convention,  and  that  on  the 
14th  instant  the  Duke  Decaz  js  informed  me  he  would  communicate  my  request  to  the 
governments  wliicli  have  signed  the  couventiou. 
I  have,  *fcc., 

E.  B.  WASHBURNE. 


[Inclosnre.j 


Mr.  Patterson  to  Mr.  Morrill, 

United  States  Coast  Survey  Office, 

Washington,  October  17,  1876. 

Sir:  I  have  the  honor  to  receive  the  department  letter  of  October  14,  which  inclosed 
correspondence  of  the  Department  of  State,  including  a  communication  from  the  min- 
ister of  the  United  States  at  Paris,  relative  to  the  expediency  of  asking  from  the  Inter- 
national Committee  on  Weights  and  Measures  a  further  extension  of  the  term  for  the 
ratification  by  our  own  government  of  the  convention  for  an  International  Bureau  of 
Weights  and  Measures.  _/ 

With  reference  to  peculiar  circumstances  which  retarded  the  course  of  ordinary  bnsi-    ~^ 
ness  in  the  Senate  of  the  United  States  during  the  last  session,  and  in  consequence  of 
which  action  in  regard  to  the  International  Bureau  was  postponed  by  the  Committee 


> 


No.  62. 

Mr.  Noyes  to  Mr.  Evarts. 

52.]  Legation  of  thk  United  States,  ) 

Paris,  January  15,  1878.     (Received  January  31. 

Sir  :  I  have  the  honor  to  send  herewith,  to  be  transmitted  to  the  proper  quarter, 
the  following  documents  received  from  the  International  Committee  of  Weights  and 
Measures,  sitting  at  Neuchritel,  Switzerland,  viz: 

1.  Three  copies  of  the  committee's  first  report  to  the  governments  parties  to  the  In- 
ternational Metrical  Conv^ention.  * 

2.  A  circular  of  General  Ibauez,  president  of  the  committee,  in  relation  to  the  same 
matters. 

3.  A  circular  of  Mr.  Hirsch,  secretary  of  the  committee,  giving  the  proportion  of 
expense  incumbent  upon  each  government  for  the  working  of  the  International  Bureau 
of  Weights  and  Measures  during  the  year  1878. 

I  have,  SuC, 

EDWARD  F.  NOYES. 


H.  Eep.  U- 


*  A  large  pamphlet,  not  printed  herewith. 


162 


} 


METRIC    SYSTEM. 


[Inclosnre  1  in  No.  62.— Translation.] 
General  Ihanez  to  Mr.  Noyes. 

International  Committee  of  Weights  and  Measures,  ^ 

Madrid  and  yeuchdfelj  January  12,  1878.         \ 

Mr.  Minister  :  In  the  name  of  the  International  Committee  of  Weights  and  Meas- 
ures, we  have  the  honor  to  send  to  yonr  government,  through  yonr  excellency,  three 
copies  of  the  first  "  Report  of  the  International  Committee  of  Weights  and  Measures 
to  the  governments  signing  the  metrical  convention." 

The  minutes  of  the  last  session  of  the  international  committee  are  at  present  in  press, 
and  we  will  hasten  to  transmit  them  to  the  governments  as  soon  as  they  are  x^nblisbed. 
Accept,  sir,  &c., 

General  IBANEZ,  President. 
Dr.  ad.  HIRSCH,  Secretary. 


y 


METRIC    SY.STEM. 


No.  63. 


Mr.  Xoyes  to  Mr.  Evarts. 


1G3 


i 


[Inclosnre  2  in  No.  62. — Translation.] 
General  Ihanez  to  Mr.  Noyes. 

International  Committee  of  Weights  and  Measures. 

Madrid  and  Xeuchdtel,  December  15,  1877. 

Mr.  Minister  :  The  International  Committee  of  Weights  and  Measures,  in  exercise 
of  the  right  conferred  upon  it  by  article  6  of  the  regulations  annexed  to  the  metrical 
convention,  has  decided,  at  its  sitting  of  September  2l8t  ultimo,  to  fix  the  annual 
bndget  of  the  International  Bureau  of  Weights  and  Measures  for  the  year  1878  at 
100,000  francs. 

In  pursuance  of  this  decision,  and  conformably  with  article  9  of  the  convention  and 
article  20  of  the  regulations  annexed  to  the  convention,  prescribing  the  distribution  of 
the  expenses  of  the  bureau  among  the  contracting  states,  we  have  established,  on  the 
same  basis  as  before,  the  annexed  table  of  the  contributive  shares  for  the  account  of 
1878. 

It  appears  from  this  table  that  the  contributive  share  of  the  United  States  for  the 
year  1878  amounts  to  9,714  francs. 

Conformably  with  article  10  of  the  metrical  convention,  we  have  the  honor  to  re- 
quest your  excellency  to  be  pleased  to  pay,  at  the  commencement  of  the  coming  year, 
the  contributive  share  of  the  United  States  to  the  Ministry  of  Foreign  Affairs  of  France. 
Accept,  sir,  «&c.. 

General  IBAl^EZ,  President. 
Dr.  ad.  HIRSCH,  Secretary. 

[Inclosnre  3,  "So.  62.] 

Table  of  the  shares  to  he  contributed  by  the  several  states  for  the  International  Bureau  of 

Weights  and  Measures  for  the  year  1878. 


/ 


1 

S« 

t» 

3 

4 

5 

6 

7 

e 

9 

10 

11 

12 

13  a 

13  & 

14 

15 

16 


Contracting  states. 


Germany 

Austria 

Hungary 

Belgium 

Argentine  Confederation . 

Denmark 

Spain 

United  States  of  America 

France 

Italy 

Peru 

Portugal 

Russia 

Sweden 

Norway 

Switzerland 

Turkey 

Venezuela 


I 


41,  010, 150 

20, 136, 283 

1.5,  508,  575 

5,  253.  821 

2,000,000 

2,  000,  000 

24,  236,  590 

38,  925,  598 
40.  943. 120 
26,  801. 154 

2,  500,  000 

5.  400,  000 

76,  500,  000 

4,  341. 5.'59 

1,  795,  000 

2,  GC9, 147 

39,  000,  000 
1,  784, 194 


Total 350,805.191 


-»3 

s 

<s 
6 
'J 


a 
o 

s 

U 
« 

o 
u 

s 

o 

es 


OS 

©  .-I 


< 


123 

60 

47 

16 

4 

2 

73 

78 

123 

80 

8 

16 

77 

4 

4 

5 

78 

5 


Fr.15,318 
7,472 
5,853 
1,992 
498 
249 
9,091 
9.714 
15  318 
9,963 
996 
1,992 
9,589 
498 
498 
L23 
9,714 
623 


803 


^l> 


100, 001 


^^'  **-*^-]  Legation  of  the  T'Nited  States, 

Paris,  Fthruary  22,  1878.     (Received  March  9, 1878.) 

Sir  :  I  have  the  honor  to  transmit  herewith  a  translation  of  a  letter  that  I  have 
received  from  General  Ibanez,  president  of  the  international  commission  of  weic^hts 
and  measures,  and  a  statement  of  the  financial  situation  of  that  commission  The 
matter  IS  so  fully  explained  and  the  whole  subject  discussed  with  such  fairness  that  I 
will  only  add  the  remark  that  it  seems  to  me  that  there  is  urgent  need  of  some  defin- 
itive decision  by  the  United  States  in  regard  to  the  metrical  convention,  which  we 
have  been  holding  under  consideration  for  nearly  three  years. 
I  have,  ifec, 

rj      xnT  ^,   T.  EDWARD  F.  NOYES. 

Hon.  William  M.  Evarts, 

Secretary  of  State. 


[Inclosure  1,  No.  63— Translation.! 

International  Committee  on  Weights  and  MeasCres, 

Madrid  and  Xeuchdtel,  February  15,  1875. 

*'^iu  '  c^®  ^^\^  *^®  **?°^^  *,**  ^®°^  ***  y^"^  excellency  a  memoir  containing  a  statement 
of  the  financial  situation  of  the  International  Committee  on  Weights  and  Measures 
and  intended  to  furnish  to  the  governments  of  the  high  contracting  parties  to  the 
metrical  convention  information  in  regard  to  the  special  causes  which  have  led  to  the 

^^nnJt^n^^^^  Committee  to  raise  the  sum  of  estimated  expenses  for  the  current  year 
to  lUOjOUO  francs.  .t^"«^ 

It  appears  from  this  statement  that  the  delay  on  the  part  of  the  United  States  to 
ratify  the  convention  of  the  20th  of  May,  1875,  has  contributed  largely  to  create  the 
hnancial  situation  of  the  international  establishment  founded  bv  the  metrical  conven- 
tion  which  It  has  become  our  duty  to  signify  to  the  contracting  governments  in  order 
to  cover  our  responsibility. 

Not  knowing  the  causes  which  have  led  to  this  delay,  the  international  committee 
continue  to  hope  that  the  great  American  Republic,  maintaining  its  participation  in  the 
metrical  convention,  will  also  be  willing  to  contribute,  in  company  with  most  of  the 
civilized  nations,  to  the  support  of  an  international  work  of  great  practical  andscien- 
tiHc  utility,  and  to  facilitate  the  general  use  of  a  rational  and  scientific  system  of 
weights  and  measures,  which  has  a  great  number  of  adherents  in  the  United  States 
!l!  •  '^u^^'lf -^^^'o®  general  progress  of  the  sciences  of  industry  and  of  commerce 
wherein  the  United  fetates  takes  so  eminent  a  part,  it  would  be  greatly  to  be  regretted 
If  the  Anglo-Saxon  world  determined  to  maintain  definitively  a  separate  position  in 
regard  to  weights  and  measures,  when  all  the  other  nations  are  tending  more  and  more 
to  facilitate  their  relations  by  adopting  and  perfecting  a  single  system  of  weights  and 
measures  These  reasons,  which  doubtless  inspired  the  Government  of  the  United 
btates  when  it  took  part  in  the  metrical  convention,  will,  we  venture  to  hone  deter- 
mine the  superior  authorities  of  your  country  to  ratify  this  convention. 
^fZ^  T'i^}^  particularly  obliged  to  your  excellency  if  you  would  kindly  inform  us 
of  the  defanitive  decision  which  will  before  long  be  reached  at  Washington,  and  which 
the  other  contracting  countries  are  interested  to  know  at  the  earliest  possible  moment 

Please  accept,  sir,  the  assurances  of  our  highest  consideration. 

General  IBANEZ,  President. 
Dr.  AD.  HIRSCH,  Secretary. 

[Inclosure  2,  'Ko.  63] 

International  Committee  of  Weights  and  Measures. 
Statement  of  the  financial  situation  of  the  International  Committee  of  Weights  and  Measures. 

^a  ^^Vli?"^^^.*"*  December  15, 1877,  by  which  the  bureau  of  the  International  Com- 
mittee of  Weights  and  Measures  had  the  honor  to  communicate  to  the  governments  of 
the  contracting  states  a  table  of  the  contributions  necessary  for  the  term  of  1878  ref 
erence  was  made  to  the  report  required  by  the  regulations  to  be  issued  at  the  iame 
time,  in  order  to  explain  the  decision  of  the  committee  to  fix  the  budget  of  the  nreseut 
year  at  one  hundred  thousand  francs.  '  icseui- 

In  consequence  of  unforeseen  circumstances  the  printing  of  the  report  has  been  de- 


-i 


164 


METRIC    SYSTEM. 


layed  for  some  weeks,  so  that  it  conld  Dot  be  issued  earlier  than  the  12th  of  last  Jan- 
nary.  The  issue  of  the  volume  containing  the  protocols  of  the  last  session  of  the  in- 
ternational committee,  wherein  the  reasons  of  its  decision  are  explained,  being  also 
delayed  in  consequence  of  the  printing  of  the  scientific  memoirs  annexed  to  that  vol- 
ume, the  bureau  of  the  committee  deems  it  its  duty  to  give  to  the  governments  of  the 
high  contracting  parties,  by  means  of  the  present  communication,  an  explanation  of 
the  motives  which  decided  the  committee  to  exercise  the  right  conferred  upon  it  by 
article  (>  of  the  regulations  annexed  to  the  metrical  convention. 

We  take  advantage  of  this  opportunity  to  present  at  the  same  time  to  the  contract- 
ing governments  an  exposition  of  the  financial  condition  of  the  international  commit- 
tee, caused  by  the  delays  experienced  in  the  payment  of  a  consi<lerable  part  of  the  con- 
tributions provided  for  by  the  convention  of  May  20,  1875. 

The  committee  is-required  by  the  convention  to  apportion  the  expense  of  establish- 
ing the  international  bureau,  as  well  as  the  annual  expenses  thereof,  among  the  sig- 
natory»states  of  the  metrical  convention.  Two  of  them,  however,  the  United  States 
of  America  and  Venezuela,  have  not  yet  ratified  the  convention,  and  consequently  have 
not  yet  paid  their  shares  for  the  terms  of  1^7<j  and  1877 ;  and  even  if,  as  we  take  pleas- 
ure in  hoping,  the  ratification  be  efiected  this  year,  the  payment  of  the  overdue  con- 
tributions will  probably  not  be  performed  by  those  two  states  until  1H71>. 

On  this  account  the  resources  of  the  committee  have  been  diminished  by  the  follow- 
ing sums : 


> 


Years. 


1876 
1877 

1878 


Due  from 

the  United 

States. 


Francs. 
46, 143 
7,285 
9,714 


Due  from 
Venezuela. 


France. 
2,958 
467 
623 


63, 142 


4,048 


Total. 


Francs. 

49, 101 

7.  7.52 

10, 337 


67, 190 


Moreover,  among  the  states  which  have  ratified  the  convention,  Peru  has  not  yet 
paid  her  share  for  the  terms  of  1876  and  1877,  amounting  to  5,479  francs,  nor  Turkey 
her  share  for  1877,  amounting  to  7,285  francs,  which  produces  an  arrearage  of  12,764 
francs. 

The  committee  is  consequently  short  to  the  extent  of  79,954  francs,  upon  which  sum, 
however,  it  had  a  right  to  count  in  the  preparations  and  arrangements  it  has  made  for 
the  erection  and  organization  of  the  international  bureau.  It  was  not  in  the  option 
of  the  committee  to  demand  from  the  contracting  governments  that  the  deficit  should 
be  apportioned  among  them  y>ro  rola  according  to  the  scale  fixed  by  the  convention,  so 
long  as  the  two  above-named  states  had  not  definitely  refused  to  ratify  that  instru- 
ment, and  before  being  oflScially  informed  that  the  payments  due  from  Turkey  and 
Peru  had  not  been  made  at  the  *'  Caisse  Ddpots  et  Consignations,"  at  Paris,  up  to  the 
end  of  1877. 

The  international  committee,  being  in  this  way  deprived  of  a  considerable  part  of 
the  resources  assured  to  it  by  the  convention  of  May  20,  1875,  now  finds  itself  in  a 
financial  position  of  some  difficulty,  which,  even  though  temporary,  creates  serious 
embarrassment,  seeing  that  the  committee  is  called  upon  to  meet  in  the  course  of  this 
year  the  engagements  it  has  entered  into  with  the  contractors  and  constructors  of  the 
buildings  and  instruments  for  the  International  Bureau  of  Weights  and  Measure*,  and 
that  it  must  besides  provide  for  certain  supplementary  expenses  for  the  completion  of 
the  buildings.  In  consequence  of  these  circumstances,  the  committee  is  obliged  to 
postpone  until  next  year  all  expenses  not  absol  utely  necessary,  and  among  others  to 
delay  the  order  for  several  important  instruments. 

But,  even  with  the  strictest  economy,  the  committee  could  not  meet  all  its  obliga- 
tions for  1878  had  it  not  taken  the  precaution  to  increase  the  budget  for  that  year  to 
100,000  francs,  which  would  most  assuredly  not  have  been  necessary  if  the  80,000  francs 
of  contributions  due  had  not  failed  it. 

Indeed,  the  committee  on  accounts,  in  presenting  its  report  to  the  international  com- 
mittee at  its  meeting  of  September  15,  1877,  stated  that  at  that  time  only  the  sum  of 
59.021  francs  remained  available.  It  was  in  view  of  this  state  of  afl:airs  that  the  di^^ector 
of  the  international  bureau,  at  the  meeting  held  September  21,  offered  the  following 
resolntion :  / 

"  Whereas  article  6  of  the  regulations  annexed  to  the  convention  of  May  20, 1875,  -^ 
provides  that '  the  annual  budget  of  the  bureau  can  be  modified,  according  to  circum-     > 
stances,  by  the  international  committee,  on  motion  of  the  director,  but  without  at  any 
time  exceeding  the  sum  of  100,000  francs.' 


> 


METRIC   SYSTEM. 


163 


^  "Considering  that  the  suras  already  pledged  for  the  payment  of  works  of  construc- 
tion and  apparatus  for  heating  and  ventilation,  for  furniture,  for  the  purchase  of 
instruments,  &c.,  &c.,  and  in  addition  thereto,  the  salaries  of  the  employes  of  the 
bureau,  will  absorb  to  a  great  extent  the  available  funds ;  and 

"  Considering  that  there  will  still  be  other  expenses  to  be  incurred  for  alterations  of 
certain  portions  of  the  buildings,  in  conformity  with  the  suggestions  of  the  committee, 
which  are  necessary  to  allow  of  the  introduction  of  gas  and  water  into  the  establish- 
ment— 

"  I  have  the  honor  to  propose  to  the  committee  that  the  annual  budget  for  the  year 
1878  be  raised  from  the  sum  of  75,000  francs  to  the  sum  of  100,000  francs." 

This  resolution  was  unanimously  adopted  by  the  committee. 

In  order  to  show  to  what  an  extent  this  precaution  was  necessary,  if  the  committee 
did  not  wish  to  be  exposed  to  the  chance  of  not  being  able  to  meet  its  indispensable 
expenses,  we  beg  leave  to  submit  herewith  a  synopsis  of  the  budget  for  the  year  1878, 
as  well  as  it  could  be  prepared  according  to  the  data  available  on  the  31st  of  Decem- 
ber, 1877,  and  reserving  details  for  the  next  regular  report:  | 

RESOURCES. 

Fmncs. 

Balance  .it  the  " Caisse  des  depots  et  consignations"  December  31,  1877 117, 447 

Balan(te  ;it  the  banker's,  same  date 11,816 

Receipt  of  contributions  for  1878,  francs 100,  OlK) 

Deduction  mad«  on  account  of  the  United  States 9,714 

On  account  of  Venezuela 623 

10,337 

80,663 

Probable  interest  from  the  "Caisse" 1,000 


Total  francs 219,791 

EXPENSES. 

Francs. 
I.  Regular  annual  expenses:  * 

a.  Salaries  of  employes,  francs 26, 000 

h.  Maintenance,  purchase,  and  repair  of  apparatus,  heating,  light- 
ing, &c.,  francs 24,000 

50,000 

II.  C«)nlract8,  payable  in  1878,  for  buildings  and  instruments 113,038 

III.  Snp)dementary  expenses  lor  completion  of  work  now  in  construction, 

about , 5<i,  000 

Total :  219,038 

It  results  from  this  statement  of  the  financial  condition  that,  even  counting  on  the 
receipt  of  all  the  contributions  of  the  states  which  have  ratified  the  convention,  the 
means  at  tlie  disposal  of  the  committee  for  1878  will  be  only  strictly  sufficient  to  cover 
the  unavoi<lable  expenses. 

In  concluision,  the  bureau  of  the  committee  must  express  its  firm  hope  that  this  pre- 
carious state  of  things  will  be  remedied  by  next  year,  when  the  question  of  the  ratifi- 
cations will  be  definitely  settled,  and  all  arrears  shall  have  been  paid ;  and  it  feels 
enabled  to  affirm  that,  in  then  having  at  its  disposal  the  80,000  francs  hitherto  in  de- 
fault, the  committee  will  be  in  a  condition  to  satisfy  all  the  requirements  for  the  exe- 
cution of  the  duties  confided  to  it  by  the  governments  of  the  high  contracting  parties. 

Madrid  and  Neuchatel,  February  7,  1878. 

General  IBANEZ,  rrcmhni. 
Dr.  Ad.  Hirscii,  Secretary. 

m 

No.  64. 

[Translation.] 

Mr.  Onirey  to  Mr.  Evarts. 

Legation  of  France  in  the  United  States, 

Washington,  March  6,  1878. 
Mr.  Secretary  of  State:  The  Government  of  the  United  States,  which  signed  the 
convention  of  May  20,  1875,  in  relation  to  the  establishment  of  an  International  Bu- 
reau of  Weights  and  Measures,  has  found  itself  obliged,  by  reason  of  parli.tnientary 
necessities,  to  ask  for  successive  delays  for  the  ratification  of  that  convention. 


166 


METRIC    SYSTEM. 


The  last  comninnication  addressed  to  the  French  Goverament  on  this  subject  by  the 
minister  of  the  United  States  at  Paris  bears  date  of  November  8,  1876.  At  that  time, 
Mr.  Wsishbiirne,  stating  the  reasons  which  had  prevented  the  Senate  until  then  from 

fiving  its  attention  to  the  question  of  the  metre,  asked  that  the  exchange  of  the  rati- 
cations  mi«ht  again  be  adjourned  until  after  the  ensuing  session  of  Congress.  He 
added,  moreover,  that  there  was  every  reason  to  hope  that  the  Senate  would  approve 
this  convention,  which  had  b«en  recommended  to  its  examination  by  a  petition  of  the 
universities,  the  manufacturers,  the  bankers,  and  a  large  number  of  the  distinguished 
men  of  this  country.  i  •    ^       a 

Since  that  time  my  government  has  received  no  communication  on  the  subject,  and 
the  question  of  the  ratification  by  the  Federal  Government  of  the  convention  concern- 
ing the  metre  is  still  undecided. 

Under  these  circumstances  the  International  Committee  on  Weights  and  Measures 
has  addressed  a  letter  to  the  Minister  of  Foreign  Affairs,  in  which  it  sets  forth  all  the 
inconveniences  resulting  from  this  situation.  It  is  a  matter  of  importance  for  it,  as 
the  buildings  for  the  international  bureau  are  quite  far  advanced  in  course  of  con- 
struction, to  know  whether  it  can  depend  upon  the  co-operation  of  the  United  States, 
or  whether  it  must  divide  their  sbare  of  the  expense  for  t  he  fiscal  years  of  187C,  '77, 
and  '7r^  among  the  other  contracting  powers.  i  •  u  t 

Mr.  Waddington,  in  instructing  me  to  make  known  to  you  the  leqnest  of  which  1 
have  the  honor  to  inclose  a  copy,  expresses  a  desire  to  be  informed  concerning  the  in- 
tentions of  the  Washington  Cabinet  on  this  subject. 

I  shall  be  very  grateful  to  you,  Mr.  Secretary  of  State,  if  you  will  be  pleased  to 
enable  me  to  reply  to  the  question  addressed  to  me  by  the  Minister  of  Foreign  Affairs; 
and  I  gladly  avail  myself  of  this  occasion  to  reiterate  to  you  the  assurances  of  my  very 
hieh  consideration. 


i  Inclosnre.— Translation .  1 

General  I  banes  to  Duke  Decazes. 

International  Committee  on  Weights  and  Measures, 

Madrid  and  Xeuchdtel,  February  G,  1878. 

Mr.  Minister  :  Among  the  states  which  signed  the  convention  relating  to  the  metre, 
there  are  tw  o,  the  United  States  of  America  and  Venezuela,  that  have  not  yet  ratified 
the  convention  which  they  signed  on  the  20th  of  May,  1875. 

It  is  not  within  the  province  of  the  internati<mal  committee  tojset  forth  the  reasons 
to  the  governments  of  these  two  states  which  should  induce  them  to  leave  the  other 
contracting  states  no  longer  in  uncertainty  as  to  their  definitive  adhesion. 

The  international  committee,  however,  which  has  charge  of  the  execution  of  the 
convention,  finds  itself  under  the  necessity,  in  order  to  accomplish  its  taak,  of  obtain- 
ing from  the  governments  interested  a  speedy  solution  of  thiH  question.  The  delay  m 
ratifying  on  the  part  of  the  two  states  aforesaid  has  deprived  the  committee  of  a  con- 
siderable part  of  the  resources  secured  to  it  by  the  convention,  on  which  it  has  been 
oblit'ed  to  rely  in  the  engagements  which  it  has  made  for  the  construction  and  organi- 
zation of  the  International  Bureau  of  Weights  and  Measures,  and  it  will  not  be  possi- 
ble to  divide  the  deficit  among  the  other  contracting  states,  according  to  the  rules 
adopted  by  the  convention,  until  the  question  of  the  ratification  of  these  two  states 
shall  have  been  decided.  . 

Now,  the  committee  being  obliged  to  settle  the  accounts  for  the  building  of  the  inter- 
national bureau  in  the  course  of  the  present  year,  should  be  enabled  to  dispose  of  this 

portion  of  its  resources.  ,     m        t,  r* 

These  considerations  have  led  the  international  committee  to  beg  the  French  Gov- 
ernment, which  has  taken  charge  of  the  exchan<;e  of  the  ratifications,  to  be  pleased  to 
endeavor  to  induce  the  Government  of  the  United  States  and  that  of  Venezuela  to 
ratify  the  convention  of  May  20,  1875,  as  speedily  as  possible,  and,  as  a  consequence, 
to  pay  the  contributions  due  for  the  fiscal  years  of  1876, 77, 78,  or  at  least  to  come  to 
a  definitive  decision,  which  will  enable  the  contracting  governments  to  regulate  the 
situation  of  the  scientific  estaldishment  which  they  have  fouuded  in  common. 

The  international  committee  will  be  grateful  to  your  excellency  if  you  will  inform 
it,  with  as  little  delay  as  possible,  of  the  result  of  the  steps  which  the  French  Govern- 
ment may  see  fit  to  take,  in  order  that  the  committee  may  be  able  to  adopt  in  time 
such  measures  as  may  be  demanded  by  its  financial  situation. 

Be  pleased  to  accept,  &c.,  &c,  &c.  ,  tua^c-^    »     -i    * 

General  IBANEZ,  President 
Dr.  AD.  HIKSCH,  Secretary. 
To  his  Excellency  the  Minister  of  Foreign  Affairs  at  Paris, 


METRIC   SYSTEM. 


167 


No.  65. 

Mr.  Evarts  to  Mr.  Outrey. 

Department  of  State, 

Washington,  March  25,  1878. 

S«R :  I  have  the  honor  to  acknowledge  the  receipt  of  your  note  of  the  6th  instant, 
and  the  copy,  which  accompanied  it,  of  a  communication  addressed  to  the  Minister  of 
Foreign  Affairs  of  France  by  the  International  Committee  on  Weights  and  Measures 
relative  to  the  apparent  delay  which  has  occurred  on  the  part  of  the  Government  of 
the  Uni:ed  States  in  ratifying  the  metrical  convention  of  May  20, 1875,  and  requesting 
to  be  in !  ormed  as  to  the  intentions  of  this  government  in  connection  therewith. 

In  re]  ly  I  have  to  state  that  on  the  10th  of  March,  1876,  the  President  submitted  for 
the  com  ideration  of  the  Senate,  with  a  view  to  its  ratification,  the  metrical  conven- 
tion, to;  ether  with  certain  papers  therein  referred  to.  The  matter  is  still  pending  be- 
fore thi  -  body,  no  action  having  been  taken  thereon. 

»*"»  *  »  *  *  * 

The  ai  tention  of  the  proper  committee  of  Congress  will  at  once  be  recalled  to  the 
matter. 

Accept,  sir,  &q.,  

^  '      '  WM.  M.  EVARTS. 

Mr.  Maxim*  Outrey,  ^c,  tjc,  tjc. 


No.  66. 


Mr.  Evarts  to  Mr.  Xoyes. 


No.  43.1 


Department  of  State, 

Washinijion,  March  27,  1873. 


Sir  :  lieferring  to  your  No.  63,  of  the  23d  of  February  last,  relating  to  the  interna- 
tional metrical  convention  of  May  20,  1875, 1  have  to  inform  you  that,  under  date 
of  10th  March,  1876,  the  President  submitted  for  the  consideration  of  the  Senate,  with 
a  view  to  its  ratification,  the  metrical  convention,  together  with  certain  papers  upon 
the  subject.  As  no  action  in  the  matter  has  been  taken  by  that  body,  the  attention  of 
the  proper  committee  of  Congress  has  recently  been  called  to  the  subject,  in  order  that 
a  prompt  decision  may  be  reached  as  to  the  action  of  this  government. 

lam,  <&c., 

'        '  WM.  M.  EVARTS. 


No.  67. 


Mr,  Sherman  to  Mr.  Evarts. 

Treasury  Department* 

March  29,  1878. 

Sir  :  The  statement  of  the  president  and  secretary  of  the  International  Metric  Com- 
mittee, inclosed  with  your  letter  of  the  16th  instant  in  regard  to  the  financial  embar- 
rassment of  the  committee,  which  they  attribute  in  a  large  degree  to  the  delay  of  the 
United  States  to  ratify  the  international  metric  convention  of  May  20, 1876,  was  trans- 
mitted by  this  Department  to  the  Superintendent  of  Weights  and  Measures. 

A  communication  dated  the  27th  instant,  a  copy  of  which  is  herewith  inclosed,  has 
been  received  in  reply  from  Mr.  Carlisle  P.  Patterson,  Superintendent  of  the  United 
States  Coast  Survey  and  of  Weights  and  Measures,  stating  that  the  metric  convention, 
having  been  sent  to  the  United  States  Senate  and  referred  to  the  Committee  on  Foreign 
Relations,  has  not  yet  been  acted  upon,  and  suggesting  that  the  honorable  the  Secre- 
tary of  State  be  requested  to  call  the  attention  of  the  Senate  or  of  its  committee  above 
named  to  the  fact  that  the  convention  still  remains  undisposed  of,  and  that  the  other 
contracting  parties  are  awaiting  a  decision. 

I  have  respectfully  to  request  that  the  proper  representations  may  be  addressed  to 

the  Senate,  agreeably  to  the  desire  expressed  in  the  letter  of  the  Superintendent  of 

Weights  and  Measures. 

Very  respectfully, 

^       ^  ^  JOHN  SHERMAN, 

Secretary, 


168 


METRIC   SYSTEM. 


[Inolo8ure.J 
Mr.  Patterson  to  Mr.  Sherman. 


Bureau  of  Weights  and  Measures, 
United  States  Coast  Survey  Office, 

Waahington,  March  27,  1878. 

Sir:  In  reply  to  your  letter  of  yesterday^s  date,  relative  to  the  convention  for  an 
International  Bnreau  of  Weights  and  Measnres,  I  have  the  honor  to  inform  you  that 
said  convention  was  sent  to  the  United  States  Senate  in  March,  1876,  referred  to  the 
Committee  on  Foreign  Relations,  and  has  not  yet  been  acted  on. 

This  office  has  never  lost  sight  of  the  matter,  as  the  project  is  highly  approved  by 
me,  and  its  consummation  desired.  An  item  for  the  probable  pecuniary  obligation 
arising  from  the  ratification  of  the  convention  has  annually  been  inserted  in  the  esti- 
mates for  appropriations. 

The  natural  course  to  pursue  in  the  premises  would  seem  to  be  that  the  honorable 
Secretary  of  State  call  the  attention  of  the  Senate,  or  of  its  Committee  on  Foreign 
Relations,  to  the  fact  that  this  matter  remains  undisposed  of,  and  that  a  decision  is 
desired  by  the  other  contracting  parties. 
Very  respectfully, 

C.  P.  PATTERSON, 
Sitperiniendent  of  Weights  and  Measures. 

The  papers  are  herewith  returned. 

Hon.  John  Sherman,  / 

Secretary  of  the  Treasury. 


< 


< 


A 


Y 


CHAPTER    V. 

COMMUNICATIONS,  STATUTES,  AND  TABLES. 

Letter  from  President  F.  A.  P.  Barnard  to  C.  P.  Culver,  clerk  of  the  Committee  on  Coinagef 

Weights,  and  Measures. 

Columbia  College,  President's  Room, 

New  York,  December  9,  ln78. 

Dear  Sir  :  I  was  absent  from  the  country  at  the  time  your  letter  of  last  spring  was 
received  here ;  and  on  my  return,  I  supposed  it  would  be  too  late  for  me  to  reply  to 
you  for  any  useful  purpose.  You  requested  me  to  make  any  suggestion  or  furnish  any 
information  which  might  occur  to  me  in  connection  with  the  subject  of  the  exi>ediency 
of  introducing  into  this  country  the  metric  system  of  weights  and  measures. 

I  do  not  know  that  I  can  contribute  much  to  what  I  have  already  said,  and  what 
others  have  said,  in  print  on  this  subject;  but  since  my  return  I  have  seen  the  printed 
replies  of  the  officers  of  the  Treasury  Department  and  of  the  War  Department  to  the 
questions  of  the  committee,  and  I  should  like  to  say  a  word  or  two  in  regard  to  some 
of  these. 

In  the  first  place,  however,  I  wish  to  say  that  I  have  not  seen  any  replies  to  your 
committee,  except  those  just  mentioned,  from  the  Departments  of  War  and  the  Treas- 
ury. If  there  have  been  received  other  printed  responses,  I  should  esteem  it  a  great 
favor  if  you  would  send  me  copies. 

I  wish  to  say  in  regard  to  the  remark  of  our  friend  Mr.  Hilgard,  to  the  effect  that  in 
estimating  the  extent  to  which  the  metric  system  has  been  already  introduced,  it  is  not 
at  all  to  the  purpose  to  count  the  Republics  of  Central  and  South  America,  because  the 
people  of  those  countries  are  in  general  peasants  and  herders,  who  use  no  measures  at 
all— though  I  am  sure  that  Mr.  Hilgard  is  not  unfriendly  to  the  proposed  metric  re- 
form— I  am  confident  he  does  not  perceive  the  fallacy  involved  in  this  suggestion  of 
his.  If  the  measure  we  propose  were  one  the  results  of  which  we  ourselves  could  ex- 
pect personally  to  see,  his  objection  would  have  more  weight ;  but,  inasmuch  as  our 
legislation  is  not  for  this,  but  for  future  generations,  it  is  a  very  great  thing  to  know 
that  the  peoples  occupying  portions  of  the  planet  which  nature  has  marked  as  likely 
to  be  among  the  most  populous,  and  most  productive,  and  probably  hereafter  most 
advanced  in  the  arts  of  all  the  human  race,  are  destined  by  actually  completed  legis- 
lation to  make  use  of  that  system  of  weights  and  metisures  which  now  prevails  over 
nearly  all  the  continent  of  Europe.  The  same  remark  may  be  made  of  India,  where 
neither  the  metric  system  of  weights  and  measures,  nor  any  other,  is  generally  preva- 
lent, but  where,  on  the  other  hand,  the  confusion  is  of  a  most  perplexing  character. 
The  British  Government  and  the  Indian  Government  have  seen  that  the  only  true 
way  out  of  this  perplexity  is  to  sanction  the  metric  system,  and  to  provide  that  it 
shall  be  in  due  and  judicious  time  legally  enforced.  This  being  the  case,  it  is  of  very 
little  consequence  to  the  real  object  we  have  in  view  (which  is  the  future  of  the  world 
in  regard  to  metrology),  that  neither  the  South  American  States  nor  the  East  Indies 
now  generally  use  the  metric  system,  or  any  other  system.  The  certain tji  that  they  are 
going  to  use  them,  is  an  argument  of  immense  force  in  its  relation  to  the  real  question 

before  us. 

There  is  another  assumi>tion  on  which  I  wish  to  comment  for  a  moment,  which  I  find, 
in  two  places  at  least  in  these  replies.  One  of  these  places  is  in  the  report  of  Mr.  Up- 
ton, who  is  entirely  friendly  to  the  measure  we  propose,  and  the  other  is  in  the  reply 
of  General  Meigs,  who  is  intensely  hos  ile  to  this  measure.  Both  of  these  gentlemen 
say  that  the  meter  has  been  "ascertained  not  to  be  the  ten-millionth  part  of  the  Paris 
meridian."  General  Meigs  says  "  it  has  been  ascertained  that  the  meter  bears  no  rela- 
tion to  that  quadrant."  Mr.  Upton  says,  "  it  has  been  demonstrated  that  the  length  of 
the  quadrant  of  the  meridian  was  not  accurately  ascertained."  I  am  astonished  at  the 
positiveness  of  these  assertions.  Nothing  of  the  kind  has  been  either  demonstrated  or 
ascertained.  On  the  other  hand,  I  think  that  the  evidence  is  altogether  in  favor  of 
the  accuracy  of  the  determination  made  by  the  great  French  geodetic  commission.  I 
do  not,  indeed,  think  it  possible  in  the  present  state  of  science,  to  determine  with  pos- 
itive exactness  the  length  of  any  quadrant  of  any  meridian ;  but  I  do  think  it  possible  to 
determine  that  length  within  a  limit,  which  shall  leave  room  for  no  senxihle  error;  and 


170 


METBIC   SYSTEM. 


METRIC    SYSTEM. 


171 


that  I  believe  was  done  in  the  case  of  the  French  meridian.  What  Ims  been  "  ascer- 
tained "  is  that  the  earth  is  not  regular  in  its  figure.  The  speculations  of  Mr.  Bressel, 
Professor  Airey,  and  General  de  Schubert  were  founded  upon  a  hypothesis  which  they 
pleased  to  assume  to  be  true  for  the  purpose  of  their  calculations.  They  assumed  that 
the  earth,  though  not  a  sphere,  nor  a  flattened  spheroid,  was,  nevertheless,  a  regular 
geometrical  ellipsoid  of  three  axes.  If  anything  has  been  proved  by  the  surveys,  it  is 
that  their  hypothesis  is  a  mere  fancy.  It  follows  that  the  most  probable  result  to  be 
obtained  in  endeavoring  to  determine  the  length  of  a  meridian  must  be  derived  from 
actual  meaf>»reni€iit  on  the  meridian  itself.  The  mathematicians  I  have  mentioned  made 
inferences  as  to  the  Paris  meridian  by  arguing  from  measurements  on  other  meridians, 
as  in  Kussia,  India,  and  South  America,  on  the  supposition  that  the  earth  has  a  regu- 
lar geometrical  figure. 

Assuming  as  a  basis  such  a  hypothesis,  that  is  to  say  a  supposition  of  the  truth  of 
which  we  have  no  sufficient  evidence,  and  which  in  all  probability  is  not  true,  there 
is  no  sort  of  anomalous  result  which  cannot  be  worked  out  when  you  attempt  to  com- 
bine the  measurements  of  diflFerent  meridian  arcs  with  each  other  for  the  purpose  of 
inferring  the  earth's  figure,  on  the  supposition  that  such  figure  is  geometrical.  Col- 
onel Everest,  the  accomplished  director  of  the  Indian  survey,  by  similar  combinations 
obtained  about  seventy-seven  diti'erent  results,  all  giving  different  e(iuatorial  and  dif- 
ferent ]»olar  diameters. 

This  fact  alone  shows  the  absurdity  of  trying  to  deduce  the  length  of  the  arc  of  the 
Paris  meridian  by  mathematical  deductions  from  the  measurement  of  meridians  else- 
where. In  the  present  state  of  science,  as  I  have  said  before,  the  securest  way  of  find- 
ing a  result  approximating  the  length  of  any  given  meridian  is  to  make  the  measure- 
ment on  that  meridian  itself;  and  that  is  what  the  French  commission  did.  I  suppose 
an  abler  commission  was  never  employed  in  similar  work  anywhere. 

The  publication  in  this  country  and  wide  circulation  (through  a  shrewd  scheme  of 
the  late  Professor  Davies  to  scatter  his  crude  views  at  the  expense  of  the  State  of  New 
York)  of  Sir  John  Herschel's  lecture  on  the  metre,  the  yard,  and  the  pendulum,  has 

fiven  to  the  speculations  of  Airey  and  de  Schubert  a  notoriety  among  us  which  Colonel 
verest's  no  less  able  and  far  more  comprehensive  computations  have  not  attained. 
This  lecture,  though  bearing  the  mark  of  Herschel's  great  ability,  is  nevertheless,  in 
my  view,  very  little  creditable  to  his  judgment ;  and  deserves  by  no  means  the  amount 
of  consideration  which  some  have  been  disposed  to  give  it.  But  the  thing  which 
astonishes  me  most  in  this  matter  is  that  men  of  education,  and  men  highly  esteemed 
as  men  of  science,  should,  at  this  day,  so  little  understand  this  question  as  to  say  that 
there  has  been  anything  "demonstrated"  to  invalidate  the  accuracy  of  the  established 
base  of  the  metric  system.  I  hope  therefore  the  report  of  your  committee,  whatever 
may  be  the  conclusions  of  the  committee  in  regard  to  legislation  recommended  or  dis- 
couraged, will  not  lend  its  sanction  to  a  statement  so  entirely  unfounded  as  that  which 
I  have  referred  to  as  disfiguring  the  otherwise  able  replies  to  the  committee  from  the 
chief  clerk  of  the  Treasury  Department,  and  from  the  office  of  the  Quartermaster- 
General. 

I  am,  very  truly,  years, 

F.  A.  P.  BARNAED. 


THE  AD0PT10:S^  OF  THE  METRIC  SYSTEM  OF  WEIGHTS  AND 
MEASURES  FOR  JNIEDIOAL  AND  PHARMACAL  PURPOSES 
BY  THE  UNITED  STATES  MARINE  HOSPITAL  SERVICE. 

{Being  a  report  to  Surgeon-General  John  M.  iVoodworth,  revised  and  reprinted  from  his  «r> 
nual  report  for  1877,  tvith  additions  hg  the  author. 


By  Oscar  Oldbekg,  Phar.  D., 
Chief  Clerk  and  acting  Medical  Purregor,  United  Slates  Marine  Ho'^pital  Service. 


-( 


WEIGHTS  AND  MEASURES— THE  OLD   AND  THE  NEW. 

The  disadvantages  of  the  inharmonious  systems  of  weights  and  measures  still  in  use 
in  the  United  States,  Great  Britain,  and  other  countries,  and  the  advantages,  on  the 
other  baud,  of  a  uniform  and  harmonious  international  or  universal  system  of  meas- 
urement of  distance,  surface,  volume,  weight,  and  value  are  familiar. 

The  early  introduction,  however,  of  the  French  decimal  system,  based  on  the  meter^ 
as  the  best  yet  devised,  meets  with  warm,  if  not  successful,  opposition,  abhongh  it  is, 
perhaps,  generally  admitted  that  the  final  and  complete  adoption  in  the  United  States 
of  the  metric  weights,  and  measures,  provided  we  prepare  lor  it,  will  sooner  or  later 
certainly  come.  Our  coinage,  fortanacely  decimal,  closely  approaches  a  comparatively 
simple  iiumerical  relation  to  the  metric  unit  of  weight— the  one-dollar  gold  piece 
weighing  (wiihiu  3  per  mille)  one  and  two-thirds  grams,  and  consequently  the  three- 
dollar  goki  piece,  five  grams  (within  3  per  mille).  It  is  believed  that  the  government 
not  only  could,  but  ought  to  aid  the  people  in  learning  to  know  and  use  the  metric 
system,  which  might  be  done  in  various  ways.  An  effort  to  compel  its  immediate 
adoption  by  the  people  would  probably  prove  futile,  or  productive  of  great  evil ;  but 
the  agents  of  the  government  might  well  be  expected  and  required  to  employ  that  sys- 
tem exclusively  in  certain  official  transactions,  and  it  should  be  thoroughly  taught  in 
the  public  schools,  in  order  that  its  simplicity  and  practical  superiority  may  be  demon- 
strated. Whether,  however,  the  introduction  of  the  metric  system  for  general  pur- 
poses, already  legalized,  be  near  or  distant,  and  whether  the  supposition  that  its  use 
will  soon  by  the  Congress  be  made  obligatory  on  +he  part  of  the  officers  of  the  govern- 
ment be  correct  or  not,  I  am  quite  confident  that  the  present  is  as  good  a  time  as  any 
for  the  adoption  of  metric  weights  and  measures  for  professional  purposes. 

By  way  of  illustration,  I  may  here  briefly  refer  to  some  of  the  reasons  upon  which 
the  "proposed  rejection  of  the  apothecaries'  weights  and  measures  and  the  preference 
for  the  decimal  metric  system  are  based. 

As  the  different  systems  and  standards  in  use  prior  to  the  construction  of  the  metric 
system,  or  afterwards  adopted  and  still  largely  used,  were  not  derived  from  any  con- 
stant quantity  in  nature,  while  others  have  been  contrived  which  are  compromises  be- 
tween the  old  and  the  new,  we  find  upon  a  comparison  of  the  multifarious  pounds  and 
their  subdivisions,  and  of  the  various  grains  upon  which  they  were  originally  based, 
that  the  term  "pound"  is  applied  to  quantities  equal  to  500  grams,  453.59  -j- grams, 
425  grams,  373  25  —  grams,  or  357.66  -{-  grann,  «fec.,  as  the  case  may  be;  and  that  the 
term  "grain  "  is  applied  to  quantities  varying  from  0.045  —  to  0.073  4- grams,  the  differ- 
ence between  the  largest  and  the  smallest  "grain "  exceeding  fifty  per  cent.  In  some 
countries  the  pound  is  subdivided  into  16  ounces;  in  others,  into  12  only.  Sometimes 
the  ounce  contains  16  drachms  ;  at  other  times  only  8.  One  ounce  means  4S0  grains ; 
\  B  y  nnother  437 1^  such  grains;  another  again  480  grains  of  a  ditt'erent  value.  One  scruple 
I  /  consists  of  20  grains,  and  another  of  24.  One  pound  contains  7,200  grains,  and  other 
pounds,  respectively,  7,000,  6,912,  and  5,7(50  grains.  Finally,  two  or  more  systems,  re- 
sembling each  other  chiefly  in  their  arbitrary  and  complex  character,  are  simultane- 
ously used  in  the  same  country.  Even  the  term  "  minim,"  though  used  only  in  Great 
Britain  and  the  United  States,  is  applied  to  different  quantities.  Add  to  these  con- 
flicting terras,  subdivisions,  and  values  the  further  fact  that  our  existing  units  of  weight 
and  measure  bear  no  simple  relation  one  to  the  other,  having  been  originally  fixed 
without  reference  to  each  other. 

The  essential  characteristics  of  a  system  of  weights  and  measures  which  may  entitle 
it  to  cosmopolitan  adoption  as  superior  to  the  old  arbitrary  and  incongruous  systems, 


172 


METKIC    SYSTEM. 


METRIC   SYSTEM. 


173 


or  rather  Do-systems,  are :  Ist.  That  it  rest  upon  a  basis  of  some  geoffraphical  magni- 
tade  ;  2d.  That  it  be  a  decimal  system  (onr  arithmetic  being  decimal) ;  3d.  That  the 
unit  for  linear  measarement  be  the  primary  unit  of  the  whole  system,  to  which  the 
units  for  measurement  of  surface,  volume,  and  weight,  derived  from  it,  shall  bear  the 
simplest  relation  possible.  These  conditions  are  fulfilled  by  the  metric  system,  based 
upon  the  meter. 

The  changes  requisite  in  order  to  bring  about  simple  numerical  relations  between 
the  units  of  our  weights,  measures,  and  coinage  and  the  metric  units  are  compara- 
tively slight,  and  various  propositions  have  therefore  been  made  to  that  end.  The 
temptation  to  try  to  utilize  the  merits  of  the  metric  system  without  abandoning  the  oLl 
seems  to  have  been  great  and  general.  The  metric  system  has  been  almost  universally 
recognized  as  the  basis  upon  which  will  be  es  ablisbed  any  future  systems  that  may  be 
nsed,  should  that  system  itself  not  be  adopted,  and  intermediate  systems  have  been 
constructed  accordingly,  perhaps  chiefly  to  prepare  the  way  for  the  meter,  the  liter, 
the  gram,  &c.,  but  sometimes  to  iusure  a  simple  international  correlation  only,  the  im- 
portance of  which  is  of  course  conceded  by  every  one.  But  we  are  accustomed  to  think 
that  the  familiar  units  in  which  we  express  quantities  in  our  daily  business  denote 
such  quantities  of  the  ordinary  commpdities  as  are  generally  considered  to  be  the  most 
convenient  in  supplying  our  common  wants— a  proposition  which  does  not  bear  re- 
flection. We  are,  moreover,  able  to  fix  in  our  mind  the  approximate  bulk  of  a  cer- 
tain quantity  by  weight  of  any  given  commodity,  or  the  weight  of  a  certain  volume  of 
another,  and  so  we  dislike  to  give  up  onr  "gallon,"  "pint,"  "minim,"  our  "pound," 
"ounce,"  and  "grain,"  »&c.,  unless  we  can  get  some  other  units  nearly  resembling  these 
in  value,  or  at  least  famiUar  to  us.  The  decimal  system  also  encounters  opposition  from 
many  who  would  prefer  to  be  able  to  count  the  fractional  parts  of  the  units  by  halves, 
quarters,  eighths,  sixteenths,  thirty-seconds,  and  sixty-fourths.  The  difficulties,  there- 
fore, in  the  way  of  a  general  and  exclusive  adoption  by  the  people  of  an  entirely  new 
system  of  weights  and  measures — even  as  simple,  rational,  and  labor-saviug  as  the 
metric  system — are  quite  formidable.  In  several  countries,  and  even  in  France  itself, 
compromise  systems  have  been  tried,  the  units  of  which  were  simple  multiples  of  the 
gram  with  decimal  subdivisions. 

Professional  men  are  as  well  prepared  for  the  adoption  of  the  new  metric  system  now 
as  they  ever  will  be,  and  as  they  become  familiar  with  it  and  apply  it  daily  they  will 
necessarily  help  to  educate  others  into  a  proper  appreciation  of  its  simplicity.  Proba- 
bly the  greatest'  obstacle  in  the  way  of  the  change  is  the  unwillingness  of  some  to 
practically  ascertain  for  themselves  the  degree  of  difficulty  attending  it.  That  we 
cannot  make  the  new  system  our  own  without  some  preparation,  some  eftbrt,  is  obvi- 
ous enough  ;  but  surely  every  professional  man  ought  to  be  willing  to  make  the  com- 
paratively insignificant  sacrifice  of  time  and  labor  requisite  to  this  end. 

The  present  adoption  by  the  practitioners  of  medicine  and  pharmacy  of  metric 
weights  and  measures  is  entirely  practicable  and  advantageous.  In  the  pharma- 
copoiias  of  Germany  and  Sweden,  and  other  countries  where  the  metric  system  is  not 
in  general  use,  nor  even  legalized  for  general  purposes,  the  gram  has  been  made  the 
official  weight  unit,  and  the  use  of  the  old  units  by  pharmacists  forbidden,  the  incon- 
venience occasioned  by  the  change  being  found  quite  inconsitlerable.  In  both  coun- 
tries just  named  the  transition  stages  were  provided  for  by  the  introduction  of  inter- 
mediate decimal  systems  bearing  simple  relations  to  the  gram ;  but  the  utility  of  such 
mixed  systems  is  doubtful.  Those  directly  interested — the  pharmacists— would,  at 
least  by  the  light  of  experience,  have  preferred  an  immediate  cha:ige :  and  the  fact 
that  an  intermediate  system,  diflering  but  slightly  from  either  the  old  or  the  new, 
is  so  readily  constructed  and  used  is  itself  sufficient  proof  that  the  disturbance  pro- 
duced in  the  practice  of  intelligent  professional  men  by  a  direct  change  from  grains  to 
grams  is  not  so  great  as  might  be  supposed. 

The  principal  objection  to  a  change  of  weights  and  measures,  in  the  practice  of  med- 
icine and  pharmacy,  seems  to  be,  however,  that  we  cannot,  without  considerable  diffi- 
culty, dissociate  in  our  minds  the  dose  of  any  medicinal  agent  from  the  troy  grain  or 
minim,  because  doses  are  a  matter  of  mere  memory,  we  have  learned  them  by  heart  in 
those  terms,  and  we  must  put  aside  the  knowledge  already  acrjaired  and  learn  some- 
thing else  in  its  i>lace.  It  is  urged  that  old  practitioners  canuot  or  will  not  be  prevailed 
upon,  and  should  not  even  be  expected,  to  use  new  units,  terms,  or  denominations  of 
quantity  in  their  prescriptions.  They  will  continue,  it  is  said,  to  write  ounces,  drachms, 
scruples,  and  grains;  and  fluid  ounces, drachms,  and  minims.  But  this,  if  true,  does  not 
seem  to  be  sufficient  cause  for  rejecting  the  good  for  the  bad.  Changes  of  weights  and 
measures  have  often  been  brought  about,  and  unitsof  weightor  measure  have  undergone 
change  of  value  even  without  a  change  of  name,  which  is  infinitely  more  confusing, and 
yet  no  great  disturbance  is  spoken  of  as  having  taken  place  in  connection  therewith. 
The  younger  men, it  would  seem,  can  very  well  aflordto  take  this  risk,  and  even  doall  the 
work  there  is  to  be  done.  Let  those  who  are  unable  to  follow  them  be  borne  along,  and 
leave  the  unwilling  ones  to  their  choice.  It  iseasy  enough,  as  I  will  presently  endeavor  to 
show,  to  translate  ounces,  grains,  &c.,  should  prescriptions  continue  to  be  written  in  those 


r 


)■ 


terms,  into  terms  of  the  metric  system.  The  experience,  moreover,  of  those  who  have 
used  the  metric  system  of  weights  at  all  has  been  that  it  does  not  require  ranch  prac- 
tice to  be  able  to  think  of  2  grams  of  ipecacuanha,  or  of  0.002  gram  of  strychnia,  as 
representing  certain  volumes  and  doses,  without  first  translating  these  expressions  into 
about  30  grains,  and  Vf  grain,  respectively.  The  same  is  true  of  measures.  In  the 
writer's  experience  a  moderate  familiarity  with  the  use  of  metric  weights  and  meas- 
ures may  be  readily  acquired.  .  i,  x,     . 

A  general  adoption  in  American  and  English  works  on  materia  medica  of  the  terms 
of  the  metric  system,  side  by  side  with  those  of  the  apothecaries'  weights  and  meas- 
ures in  stating  the  doses  of  medicines,  would  greatly  facilitate  the  general  adoption  of 

the  former  in  4)ractice.  ,  .  i   •    .  i. 

There  is  good  reason  to  hope  that  the  pharmacoptjual  c<mvention  which  is  to  meet 
in  1880  to  provide  for  the  sixth  revision  of  the  pharmacopo'ia  of  the  United  States  will 
reco«mize  the  superiority  of  the  metric  system  and  adopt  it  for  use  in  that  work.  The 
late  Assistant  Surgeon  B.  F.  Craig,  of  the  United  States  Army,  oftered  in  the  pharma- 
copo'ial  convention  of  1870  a  resolution  instructing  the  committee  of  revision  "  to  in- 
clude some  part  of  the  metrical  system  in  the  list  of  olticinal  weights  and  measures." 
Dr.  Craig  stated  to  the  writer  that  his  preference  was  for  the  introduction  of  the  "deci- 
gram" as  the  unit  most  nearly  resembling  our  troy  grain,  one  decigram  being,  for  the 
purposes  of  the  practitioners  of  medicine  and  pharmacy,  practically  equivalent  to  1^ 
grains.  The  resolution  was  passed,  but  the  instruction  was  not  carried  out,  though  no 
reason  is  given  by  the  committee  for  ignoring  it.  Should  the  next  convention  decide 
to  adopt  the  metric  system,  it  is,  therefore,  to  be  hoped  that  the  terms  "gram"  and 
"centigram"  alone  maybe  sanctioned  as  the  official  unitsof  weight,  and  the  term 
"cubic  centimeter"  as  the  official  unit  of  measure,  if  any.  The  adoption  of  more 
than  two  units  for  either  weights  or  measures  should  be  carefully  avoided.  The  writer, 
for  one,  believes  that  all  quantities  in  medicine  and  pharmacy  should  be  determined 
by  weif^ht,  and  that  measures  should  be  discarded ;  but  so  long  as  cupfuls,  tablespoon- 
f  uls,  te^spoonf  uls,  and  drops  are  prescribed,  there  is  probably  no  hope  for  such  a  radical 
innovation,  although  it  has  many  strong  advocates. 

The  time  and  labor  which  would  be  saved  in  computation  and  accounts  by  the  adop- 
tion of  the  metric  system  cannot  be  but  a  powerful  argument  in  its  favor.  This  saving 
is,  of  course,  the  same  as  the  saving  of  time  and  labor  efi'ected  by  the  substitution  of 
dollars  and  cents  for  pounds,  shillings,  pence,  and  farthings.  To  find  the  value  of  any 
number  of  grams  of  any  article,  the  price  per  avoirdupois  pound  being  known,  is  a  very 
simple  process.  MuUiplv  the  number  of  grams  with  the  price  per  avoirdupois  pound, 
and  then  divide  the  product  by  4;>3.(),  the  number  of  grams  in  the  avoirdupois  pound. 
This  process  is  certainly  not  more  difficult  than  the  computation  constantly  found  neces- 
sary in  preparing  invoices  in  which  the  quantities  are  expressed  in  pounds,  ounces, 
drachms,  and  grains.  For  the  sake  of  greater  clearness,  I  may  be  pardoned  for  quoting 
an  example:  100,000  grams  of  potassium  iodide  are  to  be  priced;  the  manufacturers 
quotation  is  .s3.io  per  avoirdupois  pound  ;  to  find  the  total  value  of  100,000  grams  at 
that  price,  multiply  the  100,000  by  3.10  and  divide  the  product,  310,000,  by  4o3.G,  which 
will  give  the  quotient  $683.42  as  the  answer  sought.  This  answer  is  correct  within  one 
and  one-fourth  cents,  the  exact  amount  being  $683,431.  In  the  same  manner  the  exact 
value  of  any  number  of  grams  of  any  article  may  be  computed  from  the  price  per  avoir- 
dupois ounce  by  multiplying  the  number  of  grams  by  the  ounce  price,  and  then  divid- 
ing the  ]>rodiict  by  28.35,  the  number  of  grams  in  one  ounce  avoirdupois. 

Another  and  still  readier  method  of  computing  the  value  of  any  article  per  kilogram 
(1,000  grams),  the  avoirdupois  pound  price  being  known,  is  to  simply  multiply  the  lat- 
ter bv  2.2,  the  answer  arrived  at  by  this  rule  being  too  small  by  only  $2.31 1',.  tor  every 
,$1  102.71  ,V,  or  '-^'^•'^6  cents  for  every  $100,  or  about  one-  lif  th  per  cent.  This  rule  is  based 
upon  the  fiict  that  one  kilogram  is  equal  to  2.20462125  avoirdupois  pounds  or  15,432.34874 

troy  grains.  .  ,      ,         .  ^  ^    ■       i  -^^  •       i 

To  find  the  value  per  meter  of  any  article,  the  price  per  yard  being  known,  it  is  only 
necessary  to  multiply  the  yard  price  by  1.1  (or  to  add  10  per  cent.,  which  amounts  to 
the  same  thing),  the  answer  arrived  at  by  this  rule  being  too  small  by  only  about  three- 
fifths  per  cent.,  or  63  cents  for  every  $100.    Equally  easy  rules  may  be  constructed  in 

other  cases. 

With  reference  to  the  use  of  the  metric  weights  and  measures  in  prescribing,  pre- 
paring, and  dispensing  medicines,  I  beg  to  invite  attention  to  the  important  and  well- 
known  fact  that  the  difterence  between  a  minimum  and  a  maximum  dose  of  medicine 
frequently  varies  from  one  hundred  to  many  hundred  per  cent.,  and  that  the  dose  of 
any  medicinal  agent  is  in  no  case  fixed.  It  is  not  the  "  tablespoonf  ul  "  and  "  teaspoon- 
ful"  doses  only  that  vary  from  25  to  100  per  cent,  on  account  of  the  common  difterence 
in  the  size  of  the  spoons,  but  the  quantity  by  weight  or  measure  to  be  given  in  a  par- 
ticular case  is  different  according  to  the  experience  of  the  individual  practitioner, 
which  chiefly  depends  upon  the  strength  and  quality  of  the  article  he  has  been  accus- 
tomed to  ailininister.  And  again,  what  the  most  experienced  physician  believes,  when 
he  writes  his  prescription,  will  be  the  proper  dose,  may,  very  probably,  be  afterward 


174 


METRIC   SYSTEM. 


V 


METRIC    SYSTEM. 


175 


fonnd  too  much  or  too  little,  and  require  correction.  The  dose  of  any  medicine  is 
usually  supposed  to  be  one  grain,  or  a  whole  number  of  grains,  or  an  even  fraction  of 
a  grain ;  it  is  nerer  15^  grains,  or  14^  grains,  or  19  grains,  or  |  grain.  It  therefore 
depends  to  a  certain  extent  upon  the  unit  of  weight  itself.  There  can  he,  then,  no  strict 
rule  as  to  doses.  They  are  purely  empirical.  A  difference  of  even  one-tenth  part,  more 
or  less,  would  be  comparatively  trifling  in  a  dose  of  medicine,  or  in  the  strength  of  a 
preparation.  Who  could  discover  any  ditference  in  medicinal  action  between  a  fluid 
extract  made  of  seventeen  and  six-tenths  troy  ounces  to  the  pint  and  oue  made  of  six- 
teen tr«)y  ounces  to  the  jiint  ?  Or  who  could  discern  a  difference  between  the  eflect  of 
one-half  grain  of  morphia  and  the  eflect  of  eleven-twentieths  grain  of  morphia?  I 
believe  that  I  am  quite  safe  in  asserting  that  the  average  prescription-scales  used  by 
dispensing  pharmacists  would  not  indicate  a  variation  in  weight  between  one-half  and 
eleven-twentieths  grain,  and  I  leave  it  to  the  judgment  of  medical  practitioners 
whether  any  ditterence  in  action  would  or  could  be  appreciated. 

One  grain  is  equal  to  15.4:3*234)^74  troy  grains.— (Professor  Miller.)  The  dift'erence 
between  15  and  15.43234874  is  abont  one  thirty  fifth  part,  or  0.02882-}-.  (The  fifteenth 
part  of  a  gram  is  1.02882-|-  troy  grains.)  Strike  out  the  fraction  as  being  practically 
insignificant  in  medicine  and  pharmacy,  and  we  have — 

1  gram   =  15  grains  troy; 

2  grams  =  30  grains  troy ; 
4  grams  =:  1  drachm  troy; 

32  grams  =:  1  ounce  troy. 

I  conclude,  from  what  has  been  said  above  concerning  doses,  that  the  one  thirty-fifth 
part,  more  or  less,  in  each  dose,  may  be  safely  ignored.  Thus,  in  reference  to  medicine 
and  pharmacy,  the  simple  numerical  ratio  of  15  to  1  can  be  properly  applied  in  con- 
verting units  of  the  one  system  of  weights  into  units  of  the  other,  and  the  plea  of 
troublesome  and  difficult  computations,  as  against  change,  becomes  feeble. 

One  grain  is  for  that  puqwse  conveniently  taken  to  be  equivalent  to  0.066  (iV)  gram, 
or  6.6  centigrams,  which  may  be  readily  remembered,  and  any  number  of  troy  grains 
can  be  converted  into  the  corresponding  number  of  decigrams  by  subtracting  oiie-third, 
the  result  thus  arrived  at  being  sufliciently  accurate,  and  the  conversion  of  troy  grains 
into  grams,  decigrams,  or  centigrams,  is  then  a  simple  mental  process. 

Upon  a  comparison  of  the  a])Othecaries'  measures  with  metric  cubic  measures,  we 
find  that  one  cubic  centimeter  is  equal  to  16.2311678-}-  minims.  Oue  minim,  unfortu- 
nately, does  not  weigh  one  grain,  but  about  five  per  cent.  less.  If  the  minim  weighed 
one  grain,  there  would  be  the  same  numberof  minims  in  the  cubic  centimeter  as  there 
are  grains  in  the  gram.  The  difference,  however,  between  15  and  l(i.2311678-f-  is  about 
one-twelfth  part,  or  0.08208—.  The  fifteenth  part  of  one  cubic  centimeter  is  1.08208— 
minims.  The  fraction,  even  in  this  case,  is  practically  insignificant  in  medicine  and 
pharmacy,  and  may  be  ignored.    We  would  then  have — 

1  cubic  centimeter  =15  minims; 

2  cubic  centimeters:=30  minims  ; 

4  cubic  centimeters=l  fluid  drachm  ; 
32  cubic  centime ters=l  fluid  ounce; 

and  the  conversion  of  minims  into  cubic  centimeters  becomes  as  simple  a  process  as  is 
the  conversion  of  grains  into  grams. 

There  can  be  no  doubt  (taking  for  granted  that  the  simplicity,  harmoniousness,  and 
prospective  universality  of  the  metric  system  are  such  as  should  induce  us  to  make  it 
our  own  as  rapidly  as  possible)  that  the  government  can  substantially  aid  in  its  popu- 
larization. I  believe  that  its  simplicity  is  quite  unnecessarily  obscured  in  the  elab- 
orate articles  and  schemes  which  haVe  been  published  from  time  to  time.  Articles  are 
met  with  in  journals,  &c.,  the  major  portion  of  which  is  devoted  to  an  explanation  of 
the  many  prefixes  used  in  connection  with  the  metric  units.  This  is  certainly  wrong. 
We  should  endeavor  to  make  the  matter  as  simple  as  possible,  and  then  do  Vhat  we 
can  to  learn  and  teach.  Why  so  constantly  parade  before  the  public  the  meaning  and 
derivation  of  hecto,  and  deka,  and  decl,  &c.,  when  it  is  almost  certain  that  we  will 
never  use  more  than  one  or  two  units  of  each  kind  of  value  in  each  branch  of  art  or 
science  or  business  pursuit  f  Of  our  eagle,  dollar,  dime,  cent,  and  mill,  the  dollar  and 
cent  only  are  referred  to  in  our  daily  transactions.  As  the  eagle,  dime,  and  mill  are  dis- 
owned in  actual  practice,  so  will  probably  the  hectogram,  deckagram,  decigram  and  milli- 
gram be  disowned  in  writing  and  dispensing  medical  prescriptions.  Even  the  term 
centigram  may  never  be  used  except  in  the  pharmacopoeia  and  other  books,  so  that 
the  term  gram  only  remains.  Why  thou  make  the  metric  system  appear  difficult  and 
complicated  when  in  reality  it  ought  to  appear,  because  it  is,  as  simple  as  our  mone- 
tary system  ?  As  we  do  not  keep  books  and  compute  accounts  in  eagles,  dollars, 
♦.limes,  cents,  and  mills,  so  we  will  not  compute  weight  in  kilograms,  hectograms,  deka- 
grams, grams,  decigrams,  centigrams,  and  milligrams,  and  it  is,  therefore,  unimportant 
to  keep  all  these  at  once  or  together  in  our  minds.  I  regret  that  some  really  earnest 
friends  of  the  metric  system  should  have  published  a  chart,  of  which  a  copy  is  to  be 


<    > 


Vi 


f 


^ 


\ 


fonnd  in  nearly  every  college  or  school,  and  in  which  chart  we  find  in  addition  to  the 
prefixes  w//rm,  Aj7o,  hecto,  deka,  deci,  centi,  and  mUU,  also  two  other  prefixes  used  in  con- 
nection with  those  just  named  and  with  the  standard  units,  demi  and  double,  thus  creat- 
ing 24  different  units  of  each  kind  of  value.  The  euuuieratiou  only  of  these  many 
units  as  applied  to  weights  would  be  sufliciently  discouraging  to  seriously  impair  the 
prospect  of  their  ultimate  popularization.    The  array  is  as  follows : 


1.  Demi-milligram. 

2.  Milligram. 

3.  Double-milligram. 

4.  Demi-centigram. 

5.  Centigram. 

6.  Double-centigram. 

7.  Demi-decigram. 

8.  Decigram. 

9.  Double-decigram. 

10.  Demigram. 

11.  Gram. 

12.  Double-gram. 


13.  Demi-dekagram. 

14.  Dekagram. 

15.  Double-dekagram. 

16.  Demi -hectogram. 

17.  Hectogram. 

18.  Double-hectogram. 

19.  Demi-kilogram. 

20.  Kilogram. 

21.  Double-kilogram. 

22.  Demi-myriagram. 

23.  Myriagram. 

24.  Double-myriagram. 


Corresponding  units  are  given  for  the  various  kinds  of  measures  respectively.  It  is 
not  under  such  circumstances  surprising  that  young  and  old  shrink  from  the  effort  ta 
master  the  metric  system. 

It  is  also  easier  to  speak  plain  English  than  to  inject  a  number  of  artificial  terms 
derived  from  the  dead  languages,  and  there  is  nothing  gained  by  the  latter.  It  is,  to 
me  at  least,  more  convenient  to  say  "  ten  grams"  than  to  say  " one  dekagram,"  and  I 
think  all  who  have  actually  used  metric  weights  in  medicine  and  pharmacy  will  agree 
that  for  these  purposes  the  decigram  as  a  unit  is  quite  superfluous.  The  expressions 
"double-dekagram,"  "  demi-kilogram,"  &c.,  I  refrain  from  commenting  upon.  It  will 
not  do  to  say  that  the  terms  "hectogram,"  "decigram,"  &c.,  are  not  units,  but  simply 
another  way  of  expressing  multiples  or  fractional  parts  of  the  standard  unit,  for,  prac- 
tically, they  are  units ;  and  multiples  and  fractional  parts  of  the  gram  are  most  con- 
veniently and  familiarly  expressed  in  common  English  terms. 

I  can  see  no  objection  to  abbreviating  the  term  centigram  into  cent,  in  every-day 
parlance,  and  even  in  writing.  The  use  of  the  word  "  cent "  in  reference  to  money 
surely  would  not  interfere  with  its  use  in  weights  and  measures  also,  for  the  text,  or 
the  connection  in  which  it  is  used,  would  not  fail  to  fix  its  meaning.  The  word 
"pound"  is  in  England  applied  to  money  as  well  as  weight,  without  the  slightest 
inconvenience  or  ambiguity.  The  simplest  system  possible  would  be  one  modeled 
upon  our  monetary  system,  the  metric  standard  units  being  adopted,  with  their  subdi- 
visions into  one  hundred  parts.    We  would  thus  have,  lor  instance : 

1  meter  (about  3^  inches  longer  than  the  yard)  divided  into  100  cents  (centimeters). 

1  liter  (abont  2  fluid  ounces  more  than  the  quart)  divided  into  100  cents  (centi- 
liters). 

1  gram  (equal  to  about  15  grains  or  i  apothecaries'  drachm)  dividel  into  100  cents 
(centigrams). 

The  cubic  measure  would  of  course  not  come  under  this  rule;  but  the  cubic  centi- 
meter might  well  be  popularly  abbreviated  into  cube  cent.  This  arrangement  would 
not  be  sufficient  for  universal  use,  but  it  would  not  interfere  with  the  use  of  kilos, 
hectors,  dekas,  dimes,  and  mills  by  those  whose  purposes  these  subdivisions  would 
best  subserve.  Probably,  as  I  have  already  said,  no  one  art  or  science  or  business  pur- 
suit requires  more  than  one  or  two  units  of  each  kind  of  value,  and  each  will  choose 
the  one  or  two  best  adapted  to  its  own  use.  This  fact  ought  to  be  permitted  to  facil- 
itate the  introduction  of  the  metric  system.  Chemists  will  use  grams  and  mills  (milli- 
grams); pharmacists  will  use  grams  and  cents  (centigrams);  grocers  might  use  kilos 
(kilograms)  and  dekas  (dekagrams),  &c.  The  fact  that  the  metric  system  offers  so 
many  units  from  which  we  may  select  those  best  suited  t<»  our  wants  for  special  uses 
is  admirable,  but  while  all  of  these  units  may  be  actually  utilized,  they  will  not  all  be 
applied  together  in  any  one  art,  science,  or  business  pursuit. 

Until  we  shall  have  become  quite  familiar  with  the  metric  units  there  can  be  no 
doubt  that  rules  for  conversion  and  tables  of  approximate  equivalents  will  be  not 
only  useful  but  absolutely  necessary.  -Their  utility,  however,  will  end  as  soon  as  we 
shall  have  mastered  them  perfectly,  which  requires  but  little  time  and  effort.  As  soon 
as  we  can  think  in  metric  terms,  then  the  rules  of  conversion,  the  tables  of  equiva- 
lents, and  everything  pertaining  to  the  old  system  of  weights  and  measures  maj'  prof- 
itably be  dropped  and  forgotten. 

We  would  do  well  to  begin  by  making  rough  comparisons  between  the  old  units  and 
the  new,  as  have  been  done  above.  Then  let  us  obtain  as  many  different  object-les- 
sons as  possible,  and  examine,  handle,  and  use  them  until  they  have  become  perfectly 
familiar.  Metric  weights,  graduated  measures,  vials,  and  a  centimeter  rule  would  be 
the  most  useful.    Our  metric  coins,  also,  may  be  made  to  serve  a  good  purpose  in  this 


176 


METRIC    SYSTEM. 


METRIC   SYSTEM. 


177 


connection.  Onr  five-cent  nickels  weigh  one  gram  for  every  cent  they  represent ;  onr 
half-dollar  and  quarter-dollar  pieces  weigh  twenty-five  grams  for  every  dollar,  or 
twenty-five  centigrams  for  every  cent,  consequently  one  dollar  in  five-cent  nickels 
weighs  100  grams ;  two  dollars  in  silver  half-dollars  or  quarters  weighs  50  grams,  and 
one  dollar,  *2r>  grams.  Two  live-ceut  nickels  make  up  ten  grams,  one  of  them  serving 
for  a  five-gram  weight;  and  one  silver  dime  piece  weighs  2A^  grams.  These  coins  make 
good  and  quite  reliable  metric  medicinal  weights  as  far  as  they  go.  If  the  weight  of 
each  coin  were  stamped  upon  it  in  metric  terms,  it  would  be  of  immense  advantage  in 
popularizing  the  metric  system  of  weights. 


UnJcs  for  conrcrfmg  apofhceanes' iceifjhfs  a  iifl  mens  tires  hiUt  ihe'ir  veHpectire  eqiiirahufs  in 
metric  terms  for  medical  and  phnrmacnl  pnrposeH,  and  HiufgeNiions  for  writing  metric  pre- 
scription**, and  for  jtreparinff  requisitions  for  medical  sn2)plies  in  metric  terms;  together 
with  a  metric  posologicul  table. 

The  following  very  simple  rules  for  the  conversion  of  quantities  expressed  in  the 
terms  of  the  old  system  into  their  equivalents  expressed  in  terms  of  the  new  system, 
and  vice  versa,  will  be  found  valuable,  and  are  easily  applied.  With  the  aid  of  these 
rales,  there  will  be  no  difticulty  in  writing  or  dispensing  prescriptions,  or  in  making 
preparations,  employing  metric  terms  and  quantities,  even  without  any  previous 
knowledge  of  the  latter.  I  believe  that  the  application  of  these  rules  for  a  brief  time 
will  result  iu  a  sufficient  familiarity  with  the  metric  system  to  render  their- further  use 
supertluous.  A  moderate  ac«]uaintance  with  metric  quantities,  by  linear  measure,  by 
weight,  and  by  volume,  is  soon  acquired,  such  as  will  obviate  a  necessity  for  thinking 
in  inches  or  grains  or  minims  and  then  translating  these  units  into  the  corresponding 
number  of  meters,  grams,  or  cubic  centimeters : 

RULES. 

1.  To  EXPRESS  QUANTITIES  BY  WEUIIIT  OF  THE  APOTHECARIES'  SYSTEM  IN  MET|UC 
TERMS,   OR  TO   WRITE  MEDICAL  PRESCRIPTIONS  IN   METRIC   WEIGHTS. 

Rule  A. — Ilednce  each  quantity  to  troy  grains ;  then  divide  the  numl)er  hy  10  (or  move 
the  decimal  point  one  phice  to  the  left);  and  from  the  quotient  sulttract  one-third.  The 
remainder  is  iu  each  case  the  number  of  grams  representing  (nearly)  the  same  quan- 
tity.    Or, 

Rule  B. — Iledurr  cdch  quantity  to  apothecaries^  drarJnn>^  and  hinlliply  the  numhrr  hy  4. 
The  product  is  in  each  case  the  number  of  grams  representing  (nearly)  the  same  quan- 
tity.   Or, 

Rule  C. — Hedmu  (t«li  qiioulity  to  troy  ounces,  and  mnlliply  the  numlier  6// 3*2.  The  prod- 
uct is  in  each  case  the  number  of  grams  representing  (nearly)  the  same  quantity. 

"One  gram  is  equal  to  l'}.4.\i.iA^74  troy  grains. — ( Professor  Miller.)  In  preparing  the 
above  rules  the  fraction  has  been  ignored,  as  for  medical  and  pharmacal  purposes  1 
gram  and  ir>  troy  grains  may  be  safely  considered  as  equal  quantities.  In  Rule  A, 
therefore,  a  division  by  l.'>  may,  if  preferred,  be  substituted  for  the  division  by  10  fol- 
lowed by  a  subtraction  of  one-third  from  the  quotient,  with  the  same  result.  The  dif- 
ference between  1")  and  15,4:j'i34-^74  is  2.^&i  -\-  per  cent.,  and  hence  the  deviation  from 
exactness  in  the  answer  arrived  at  by  either  of  the  above  rules  corresponds  to  an  ex- 
cess of  '-i^.S'i  -\-  grains  for  every  1,000  grains.  To  illustrate:  By  Rule  B,  4,000  grama 
would  be  (nearly)  equivalent  to  1,000  drachms;  but  4,000  grams  is  equal  to  exactly 
61,729.40 -f-  troy  grains,  while  1,000  drachms  is  only  00,000  troy  grains.  The  deviation 
from  exactness,  therefore,  in  the  answer  arrived  at  by  Rule  B  (as  also  in  the  answers 
arrived  at  by  Rules  A  and  C)  is  equivalent  to  an  excess  of  1,729.40  -f  troy  grains  for 
every  1,000  drachms,  or  about  14  grains  for  every  ounce,  or  28.82  -f  grains  for  every 
1,000  grains,  or  less  than  2.9  i>er  cent. 

"To  insure  greater  accuracy,  if  in  any  case  deemed  necessary,  three  per  cent,  may  be 
deducted  from  the  answer  arrived  at  by  either  of  the  Rules  A,  B,  or  C.  The  deviation 
from  exactness  will  then  be  reduced  to  one-fifth  of  one  per  cent.,  the  remainder  being 
les-^  than  the  exact  equivalent  sought  by  only  2.04  grains  lor  every  1,000  grains,  or 
about  one  grain  for  every  ounce." 

To  CONVERT  TROY  GRAINS  INTO  DECIGRAMS  it  is  ouly  necessary  to  deduct  one-third; 
and 

To  CONVERT  TROY  GRAINS  INTO  CENTIGRAMS  multiply  the  numher  hy  10  and  from  the 
product  subtract  one-third — the  deviation  from  exactness  in  the  answers  arrived  at  in 
both  cases  being  the  same  as  in  Rules  A,  B,  and  C,  given  above. 


<\y 


< 


< 


\ 


> 


2.  To  EXPRESS  QUANTITIES  BY  MEASURE  OF  THE  APOTHECARIES*  SYSTEM  IN  METRIC 
TERMS,  OR  TO  WRITE  MEDICAL  PRESCRIPTIONS  IN  METRIC  CUBIC  MEASURES. 

Rule  D.— Reduce  each  quantity  to  minims;  then  divide  the  number  by  10  (or  move  the 
decimal  point  one  place  to  the  left),  and  from  the  quotient  subtract  one-third.  The  re- 
mainder is  in  each  case  the  number  of  cubic  centimeters  representing  (nearly)  the 
same  quantity.    Or, 

Rule  E.—Beduce  each  quantity  to  fluid  drachms,  and  multiply  the  numher  by  4.  The  prod- 
uct is  in  each  case  the  number  of  cubic  centimeters  representing  (nearly)  the  same 
quantity.    Or, 

Rule  F.— Reduce  each  quantity  to  fluid  ounces,  and  multi2)ly  the  number  by  32.  The  prod- 
uct is  in  each  case  the  number  of  cubic  centimeters*  representing  (nearly)  the  same 
quantity. 

"One  meter  is  equal  to  39.370432  inches.— (Captain  Clark.)  Hence  one  cubic  centi- 
meter is  equal  to  0.0(5102538(58  —  cubic  inches,  to  16.2311678  +  minims  (there  being 
61,440  minims  in  each  wine-gallon  of  231  cubic  inches.)  In  preparing  the  above  rules 
1  cubic  centimeter  and  15  minims  have  been  considered  as  equal  quantities,  which,  for 
medical  and  pharmacal  purposes,  is  sufficiently  accurate.  In  Rule  D,  therefore,  a  di- 
vision by  15  may,  if  preferred,  be  substituted  for  the  division  by  10  followed  by  a  sub- 
traction of  one-third  from  the  quotient,  with  the  same  result.  .  The  difference  between 
15  and  16.2311678  -f  is  8.208  — per  cent.,  and  hence  the  deviation  from  exactness  in 
the  answer  arrived  at  by  either  of  the  above  rules  corresponds  to  an  excess  of  82.08  — 
minims  for  every  1,000  minims.  To  illustrate:  By  Rule  E,  4,000  cubic  centimeters 
would  be  (nearly)  equivalent  to  1,000  fluid  drachms;  but  4,000  cubic  centimeters  is 
equal  to  exactly  64,924.67  +  minims,  while  1,000  fluid  drachms  is  only  60,00()  minims. 
The  deviation  from  exactness,  therefore,  in  the  answer  arrived  at  by  Rule  E  (as  also 
in  the  answers  arrived  at  by  Rules  D  and  F),  is  equivalent  to  an  excess  of  4,924.67  -{- 
minims  for  every  1,000  fluid  drachms,  or  about  41  minims  for  every  fluid  ounce,  or 
82.08  —  minims  for  every  1,000  minims,  or  8.2  per  cent. 

"To  insure  greater  accuracy,  if  in  any  case  deemed  necessary,  8  per  cent,  may  be  de- 
ducted from  the  answer  arrived  at  by  either  of  the  Rules  D,  E,  or  F.  The  deviation 
from  exactness  will  then  be  reduced  to  less  than  one-half  of  1  per  cent.,  the  remainder 
being  less  than  the  exact  equivalent  sought  by  only  4.49  —  minims  for  every  1,000 
minims,  or  less  than  2^  minims  for  every  fluid  ounce." 

The  important  advantage  of  a  simple  relation  between  the  units  of  weight  and  the 
units  of  measure  is  acknowledged,  and  is  one  of  the  strong  arguments  in  favor  of  the 
metric  system,  the  weight  unit  or  "gram"  being  the  weight  of  one  cubic  centimeter 
of  distilled  water  of  maximum  density  under  the  pressure  of  one  atmosphere.  The 
minim  and  the  grain,  however,  have  no  simple  relation  to  each  other;  but  as  the  dif- 
ference between  the  weight  of  one  minim  of  distilled  water  of  maximum  density  under 
the  pressure  of  one  atmosphere,  and  the  weight  of  a  troy  grain,  is  comparatively  small, 
it  has  been  ignored  entirely  in  preparing  the  rules  for  the  conversion  of  apothecaries' 
measure  into  metric  measure  (Rules  D,  E,  and  F),  and  hence  the  arithmetical  processes 
iu  the  rules  for  converting  old  measures  into  new  are  respectively  identical  with  the 
processes  given  in  the  rules  for  converting  weights,  as  will  be  seen  upon  comparison 
of  Rule  D  with  Rule  A,  Rule  E  with  Rule  B,  and  Rule  F  with  Rule  C.  For  this  pur- 
pose one  minim  is  considered  as  weighing  one  troy  grain,  one  fluid  drachm  as  weigh- 
in"-  one  apothecaries'  drachm,  and  one  fluid  ounce  as  weighing  one  troy  ounce.  (See 
betow  the  "table  of  approximate  equivalents  of  apothecaries'  weights  and  measures 
in  metric  terms,  as  obtained  in  accordance  with  the  rules  herein  given.") 

Practically  one  cubic  centimeter  and  one  gram  may  be  considered  as  equal  quanti- 
ties, except  with  very  heavy  or  very  light  liquids. 

It  will  be  seen  that  if  the  three  rules  A,  B,  and  C  be  all  applied  in  converting  the 
several  quantities  by  weight  in  anyone  prescription  or  formula,  the  original  proportions 
between  these  quantities  will  still  be  preserved,  the  deviation  from  exactness  being  inva- 
riable. It  will  also  be  seen  that  the  three  rules  D,  E,  and  F  may  be  all  applied  in  con- 
vertino-  the  several  quantities  by  measure  in  any  one  prescription  or  formula  without 
disturbing  the  on</J«rt?  j>roi)orfioH«  between  said  quantities.  Thus,  if  all  the  ingredients 
in  the  formula  be  expressed  by  weight,  or  if  they  all  be  expressed  by  measure,  the 
rules  given  may  be  employed  indiscriminately  without  changing  the  character  of  the 
formula  in  the  least.  But  if  in  any  one  formula  both  weights  and  measures  are  used 
together,  then  the  proportions  between  the  quantities  by  weight  and  the  quantities  by 
measure  will  be  changed,  so  that  in  the  metric  formula,  constructed  according  to  the 
rules  given,  the  measured  quantities  will  be  about  five  per  cent,  larger  in  proportion 
to  the  weighed  quantities,  the  deviation  from  exactness  in  the  measures  being  an  ex- 
cess of  eight  per  cent.,  while  in  the  weights  it  is  an  excess  of  only  three  per  cent. 
Thus,  if  a  prescription  for  one  grain  of  strychnia  salt  dissolved  in  four  fluid  ounces 
of  wafer  be  converted  into  metric  terms  by  the  application  of  these  rules,  the  metric 


*See  foot-not«,  page  9.5. 


H.  Rep.  14 VI 


178 


METRIC   SYSTEM. 


METRIC   SYSTEM. 


179 


formnla  arrived  at  would  give  us  a  Bolntion  Jive  per  cent,  weaker ,  which  is  an  absolutely 
iDsignificant  difference. 

Should,  at  the  same  time,  the  dose  of  the  preparation  be  indicated  in  cubic  centi- 
meters according  to  the  rules  given,  instead  of  in  fluid  drachms,  then,  as  the  dose  is 
increased  eight  per  cent.,  while  the  strength  of  the  medicine  is  diminished  five  per 
cent.,  even  that  insignificant  difference  would  be  lessened. 

Ilules  A  and  £  are  the  most  generally  applicable  and  convenient  in  constructing  prescrip- 
tions. 

In  applying  the  foregoing  rules  for  writing  prescriptions,  the  metric  quantities 
should  be  adjusted  so  as  to  be  expressed  in  as  simple  decimal  terms  as  may  be  practi- 
cable, without  materially  changing  the  dose  or  the  character  of  the  formula. 

The  terms  "gram"  and  "cubic  centimeter"  might  be  abbreviated  "Oni^*  and 
"  C.  C.^^  To  preclude  the  possibility  (in  careless  writing),  however  of  mistaking  the 
sign  Gm.  (gram)  for  the  sign  *'  gr.,"  (grain),  the  number  should  invariably  precede  tho 
sign,  using  the  common  Arabic  numerals.  Thus,  while  ten  grains  is  always  written 
"  gr.  x"  (Roman  numerals  being  used),  ten  grams  would  be  written  "  10  Gra."  When 
the  term  "  centigram  "  is  used  it  should  be  spelled  out  in  full.  Ten  centi^^ms  might, 
however,  more  conveniently  be  written  "O.lOGm."  than  "  10  centigrams."   In  writing, 

the  abbreviated  metric  denominations  should  aiw^ays  be  underscored,  but  the  preced- 
ing number  should  not,  as  above. 

Two  examples  will  suffice  to  illustrate  the  foregoing^rules  and  BuggeBtions.    The 
following  prescription : 

R:  Extr.  Coloc.  Comp.,  3i8s. 
Extr.  Colch.  Acet.,  gr.  xii. 
Extr.  Digitalis,  gr.  vj. 

Make  into  24  pills — 
would,  in  metric  terms,  be  written : 

R  :  Extr.  Coloc.  Comp.,  6  Gm.    (See  Rule  B.) 
Extr.  Colch.  Acet.,  0.8  Gm.     (See  Rule  A.) 
Extr.  Digitalis,  0.4  Gm.    (See  Rule  A.) 
Make  into  24  pills. 

Or,  in  a  more  finished  decimal  manner — 
R  :  Extr.  Coloc.  Comp.,  7.50  Gm. 
Extr.  Colch.  Acet.,  1  Gm. 
Extr.  Digitalis,  0.50  Gm. 
Make  into  30  pills. 

And  the  following  prescription : 

R :  Potassii  Bromidi,  ?i. 
Elix.  Aurantii,  fl.  ^viii. 
Mix— 

-would,  in  metric  terms,  be  written : 

R :  Potassii  Bromidi,  32  Gm.    (See  Rule  C.) 
Elix.  Aurantii,  256  C.C.   (See  Rule  F.) 
Mix.  ^^ 

Or,  in  a  more  finished  decimal  manner, 
R :  Potassii  Bromidi,  30  Gm. 
Elix.  Aurantii,  250  CTTT 
Mix.  """" 

The  use  of  a  decimal  line  instead  of  the  decimal  points  as  suggested  by  Dr.  Bolles,  of 
Boston,  would  prevent  possible  errors.  A  metric  prescription  would  then  look  as  fol- 
lows: 

R  :  Hydrarg.  Chloridi.  Corros 0f25  Gm. 

Potassii  lodidi lojoo  Gm." 

Mtt« 10000  C.  C. 

Tinct.  Chinch.  Comp 10000  C.  C. 

Mix. 

The  exact  equivalents  of  the  grain,  drachm,  and  ounce  (troy),  in  grams ;  of  the  gram 
in  grains ;  of  the  minim,  fluiddrachm,  and  fliiidounce  in  cubic  centimeters,  and  of  the 
cubic  centimeter  in  minims,  are  as  follows ; 

1  grain  (troy)  is  equal  to  0.065 —  gram. 

1  drachm  (truy)  is  equal  to  d.Hi^f^—  grams. 


i 


/ 


> 


^ 


r 


1  ounce  (troy)  is  equal  to  31.103-f  grams. 

1  gram  is  equal  to  15.43234874  grains  (troy). — Professor  Miller. 
1  minim  is  equal  to  0.062 — cubic  centimeter. 
1  fluiddrachm  is  equal  to  3.697  —  cubic  centimeters. 
1  fluidounce  is  equal  to  29.573  —  cubic  centimeters. 
1  cubic  centimeter  is  equal  to  16.231  -|-  minims. 

(1  meter  is  equal  to  39.370432  inches. — Captain  Clarke.) 
(1  avoirdupois  pound  is  equal  to  453.592 -f  grams.) 
(1  avoirdupois  ounce  is  equal  to  28.350  -f  grams.) 


Table  of  approximate  equivalents  of  apothecaries^  wdghts  and  measures  in  metric  terms,  as 

obtained  in  accordance  with  the  rules  herein  given. 


-i 


r 


Gm. 

s\  troy  grain  is  nearly  equal  to.  0. 0010 

Jg  --.do do 0.0013 

^0  -..do do 0.0016 

^  ..-do do 0.0020 

^4  ...do do 0.0025 

^Q do.... do..........  0. 0033 

^  --.do do 0.0040 

^  ...do do 0.0050 

^.-.do do 0.0066 

J. ..do do 0.0080 

^...do do 0.0110 

J... do do 0.0133 

J  ...do do 0.016 

^  ...do do 0.022 

4. ..do do 0.033 

f  ..  do do 0.050 

1 do do 0.066 

1|  troy  grains  is  nearly  equal  to.  0. 100 

2. ...do do 0.133 

2i  ...do do 0. 166 

3.. ..do do 0.200 

4 do do 0.266 

5.. ..do do 0.333 

6. ...do do 0.400 

7 do do 0.466 

8... .do do 0.533 

9.. ..do do 0.600 

10 do do 0.666 

11 do -..do 0.733 

12. ...do do 0.800 

13  ....do do 0.866 

14. ...do do 0.933 

15 do do 1.000 

16  ....do do 1.066 

18  ....do do 1.200 

20 do do 1.333 

22 do do 1.466 

24  ....do do 1.600 

26 do do 1. 733 

28 do do 1.866 

30  ....do do 2.000 

32 do do 2.133 

33 -...do do 2.222 

34....do do 2,288 

36.. .-do do 2.400 

38  ....do do 2.533 

39  ....do do 2.600 

40. ...do do 2.666 

42  ....do do 2.800 

44  ....do do 2.933 

45 do do 3.000 

46  ....do.. do 3.066 

48....do do 3.200 

50. ...do do 3.333 

56 do do 3.800 


C.C. 

^4,  minim  is  nearly  equal  to 0. 0010 

A do do 0.0013 

2b do do 0.0016 

■ii do do 0.0020 

^4  ....  do do 0.0025 

^ do do 0,0033 

fg do do 0.0040 

j^ do do O.OOoO 

jjj do do 0.0066 

I do do O.OOfrO 

Jr----do do O.Olio 

i  — do do 0.  Oi:i3 

I do do 0.016 

^ do do 0.  022 

I do do 0.033 

f do do 0.050 

1  ....do do 0.066 

ll  minims  is  nearly  equal  to 0. 100 

2  — do do 0.  l:{3 

2i-..do do 0.166 

3 do do 0.200 

4 do do 0.266 

5 do do 0.333 

6 do do 0.400 

7 do do 0.466 

8 do do 0.533 

9 do ...do 0.600 

10  ....do do 0.666 

11  — do do 0.7:W 

12 do do 0.  eOO 

13  ....do do 0.866 

14  -..do do 0.933 

15 do do 1.000 

16 do do 1.066 

18 do-- .do.- 1.200 

20  — do do 1.  :i;33 

22 do do 1.  406 

24 do do 1.600 

26. ...do do 1. 7;13 

lio  ....  do .... ......  do ...........  1,  Ht>f) 

30 do do 2.000 

32 do do 2. 133 

33  ...-do do 2.222 

34  ....do do 2.2>^S 

36 do .do 2.400 

38  ....do do 2.,5:33 

39 do do 2.600 

40 do do 2.666 

42 do do 2.  SoO 

44 do do 2.933 

45 do do 3.000 

46  — do do 3.066 

48 do do .3.200 

50 do do 3. 3:i;j 

56  ....do do 3.  800 


180 


METRIC   S\ST£M. 


METRIC    SYSTEM. 


181 


< 


Table  of  approximate  equivalents,  ^'c. — Continued. 

Gm.  C.  C. 

1  apotli.dracLm  nearly eqnal.  4.00  1    fluid  drachm  nearly  equal...  4.00 

1^  apoth. drachms.... do 5.00          1^  fluid  drachms do 5.00 

1^  ..do do do 6.00         1^  ....do do 6.00 

If  ..do do do 7.00         If do do......  7.00 

2  ..do do do 8.00         2    ....do do 8.00 

24  ..do do do 10.00         2^ do do 10.00 

3  ..do do do 12.00         3    do do 12.00 

4  ..do do do 16.00         4     ....do do 16.00 

5  --do do do 20.00         5     ....do do 20.00 

6  ..do do ...do 24.00         6     ....do do 24.00 

7  ..do do .-do 28.00         7    ....do do 28.00 

1  troy  ounce  nearly  equal....     32.00         1    fluidounce  nearly  equal......     32.00 

1^  troy  ounces... do 48.00         1^  fluid  ounces do 48.00 

2  ....do do 64.00         2     ....do ....do 64.00 

3     .do do — 96.00         3     ....do......   ......do......     96.00 

4  ..-.do do 128.00  4     ....do do 128.00 

5    do do 160.00         5     do do 160.00 

6     do do 192.00         6     do do 192.00 

7  ....do do 224.00         7     ....do do 224.00 

8     do do 2.56.00         8     ....do do 256.00 

9  ....do do.... 288.00         9     do do 288.00 

10     do do 320.00        10     do do 320.00 

11     do do 352.00        11     do do 352.00 

12     do do 384.00        12     do.... do 384.00 

13  ....do.... do......  416.00 

14     do do 448.00 

15  ....do do 480.00 

16    do.... do 512.00 

All  that  is  necessary  to  know  or  learn  of  the  metric  system  in  order  to  write  metric  medical 
piescriptionSj  %iithoiit  a  metric posological  table,  or  with  one, is: 

It  is  sufficiently  accurate  and  safe  to  consider  1  gram  as  exactly  equal 
to  15  troy  grains,  and  to  consider  1  cubic  centimeter  as  equal  to  15  minims. 

We  accordingly  have : 

1  gram  equal  to  15  troy  grains  ( ^j^). 

1  troy  grain  equal  to  0.066  gram  (iV)* 

1  cubic  centimeter  equal  to  }  fluiddrachm. 

1  fluiddrachm  equal  to  ^  cubic  centimeters. 

In  writing  prescriptions  the  "gram"  and  "cubic  centimeter"  only  should  be  used 
(abbreviated  "G»«."  and  "C.  C"). 

The  centigram  should  be  used  only  in  books  and  in  speaking. 

All  other  terms,  and  units  and  prefixes,  used  in  the  metric  system  may  be  wholly 
ignored  in  medicine  and  pharmacy. 

These  prefixes  are  simply  numerals,  as  follows : 

Myria,  which  means 10,000 

Kilo do do 1,000 

Hecto.-.do do 100 

Deka  ...do do 10 

Deci do do 0. 1 

Centi  ...do do 0.01 

Milli....do....do 0.001 

and  nearly  all  are  quite  unnecessary,  English  numerals  being  more  convenient  and  at 
least  equally  explicit. 

Weights  may  be  exclusively  employed,  if  preferred,  all  quantities  being  then,  in 
prescriptions,  expressed  in  grams. 

RULES  FOR  CONVERTING  TERMS  OF   METRIC  WEIGHTS  AND   MEASURES     '^ 
INTO  THEIR   RESPECTIVE   EQUIVALENTS   IN  TERMS  OF  THE  APOTHE- 
CARIES' SYSTEM  OF  WEIGHTS  AND  MEASURES. 

1.  to  convert  metric  weight  into  apothecaries'  weight. 

Rule  G.— To  convert  any  number  of  grams  into  the  corresponding  number 
OF  TROY  grains:  Add  50  per  cent., and  then  multiply  the  sum  by  10.  The  product  is  in 
each  case  the  number  of  troy  grains  representing  (nearly)  the  same  quantity.    Or, 

Rule  H.— To  convert  any  number  of  grams  into  the  corresponding  number 
of  apothecaries'  drachms  :  Divide  the  number  by  4.  The  quotient  is  in  each  case  the 
number  of  drachms  representing  (nearly)  the  same  quantity.    Or, 


> 


i 


Y 


Rule  I.—To  convert  any  number  of  grams  into  the  corresponding  nu.mber 
of  troy  ounces  :  Divide  by  32.  The  quotient  is  in  each  case  the  number  of  troy  ounces 
representing  (nearly)  the  same  quantity. 

Aj9  already  stated  under  Rules  A,  B,  and  C,  one  gram  is  equal  to  15.43234874  troy 
grains,  the  fraction  being  ignored  in  the  construction  of  these  rules.  This  applies 
equally  in  Rules  G,  H,  and  I.  In  Rale  G,  therefore,  a  multiplication  by  15  may,  if 
preferable,  be  substituted  for  the  addition  of  50  per  cent,  followed  by  a  multiplication 
of  the  sum  by  10,  with  the  same  result.  The  answers  arrived  at  by  Rules  G,  H,  and  I, 
however,  will  be  too  small  in  about  the  same  proportion  as  the  answers  arrived  at  by 
Rules  A,  B,  and  C  were  too  large— less  than  3  per  cent.  To  illustrate:  By  Rule  G, 
15,000  troy  grains  would  be  (nearly)  equivalent  to  1,000  grams;  but  1,000  grams  is 
equal  to  exactly  15,432.34874  troy  grains.  The  deviation  from  exactness,  therefore,  in 
the  answer  arrived  at  by  Rule  G  (as  also  in  the  answers  arrived  at  by  Rules  H  and  I) 
is  equivalent  to  a  deficiency  of  432.35  troy  grains  for  every  1,000  grams,  or  about  28 
grains  for  every  1,000  grains,  or  less  than  3  per  cent. 

"To  insure  greater  accuracy,  if  in  any  case  deemed  necessary,  3  per  cent,  may  be 
added  to  the  answer  arrived  at  by  either  of  the  Rules  G,  H,  and  t.  The  deviation  from 
exactness  will  then  be  reduced  to  one-eighth  of  one  per  cent.,  the  sum  being  in  excess 
of  the  exact  equivalent  sought  by  only  18  troy  grains,  or  1.166  grams  for  every  1,000 
grams,  or  only  about  three-fifths  grain  for  every  troy  ounce." 

To  CONVERT  decigrams  INTO  TROY  GRAINS  it  Is^ouly  necessary  to  add  aOper  cent. ; 
and 

To  CONVERT  CENTIGRAMS  INTO  TROY  GRAINS  add  oO  per  cent.,  and  then  divide  by  10— 
the  deviation  from  exactness  in  the  answers  arrived  at  in  both  cases  being  the  same  as 
in  Rules  G,  H,  and  I,  given  above. 

2.  to  convert  metric  cubic  measure  into  apothecaries'  measure. 
_    Rule  K.— To  convert  any  number  of  cubic  centimeters  into  the  correspond- 
ing NUMBER  OF  MINIMS :  Add  50  per  cent.,  and  then  multiply  the  sum  by  10.    The  product 
is  in  each  case  the  number  of  minims  representing  (nearly)  the  same  quantity.    Or, 

Rule  L. — To  convert  any  number  of  cubic  centimeters  into  the  correspond- 
ing NUMBER  OF  FLUIDDRACHMS :  Divide  the  number  by  4.  The  quotient  is  in  each  case 
the  number  of  fluiddrachms  representing  (nearly)  the  same  quantity.    Or, 

Rule  M. — To  convert  any  number  of  cubic  centimeters  into  the  correspond- 
ing NUMBER  OF  FLUiDOUNCES  :  Divide  by  32.  The  quotient  is  in  each  case  the  number 
of  fluidounces  representing  (nearly)  the  same  quantity. 

The  deviation  from  exactness  in  the  answers  arrived  at  by  Rules  K,  L,  and  M,  is  of 
course  about  the  reverse  of  that  in  the  answers  arrived  at  by  Rules  D,  E,  and  F.  To 
illustrate :  By  Rule  K,  15,000  minims  would  be  (nearly)  equivalent  to  1,000  cubic  cen- 
timeters; but  1,000  cubic  centimeters  is  equal  to  exactly  16,231.1678+  minims.  The 
deviation  from  exactness,  therefore,  in  the  answers  arrived  at  by  Rule  K  (as  also  in 
the  answers  arrived  at  by  Rules  L  and  M)  is  equivalent  to  a  deficiency  of  1,231.17  min- 
ims for  every  1,000  cubic  centimeters,  or  about  76  minims  for  every  1,000  minims,  or 
less  than  8  per  cent. 

"  To  insure  greater  accuracy,  if  in  any  case  deemed  necessary ,.8  per  cent,  may  be 
added  to  the  answer  arrived  at  by  either  of  the  Rules  K,  L,  and  M.  The  deviation 
from  exactness  will  then  be  reduced  to  less  than  one-twelfth  of  1  per  cent.,  the  sum 
being  in  excess  of  the  exact  equivalent  sought  by  only  31  minims,  or  0.8  cubic  centi- 
meter, for  every  1,000  cubic  centimeters,  or  only  about  one-third  minim  for  every  fluid- 
ounce." 


> 


-< 


RULES  (FOR  CONVERTING  UNITED  STATES  WEIGHTS  AND  MEASURES  INTO 
METRIC)  APPLICABLE  IN  THE  PREPARATION  OF  REQUISITIONS  FOR  -\ND 
INVOICES  OF  MEDICAL  SUPPLIES. 

Rule  N.—To  convert  avoirdupois  pounds  into  grams  (a),  or  pints  into 
CUBIC  centimeters  (6) :  Multiply  by  500  and  deduct  10  per  cent. 

Note.— (a.)  The  answer  for  weights  arrived  at  by  this  rule  will  be  too  small  by 
55,433  grains  for  every  1.000  avoirdupois  pounds,  or  about  eight-tenths  of  1  per  cent. 
If  1  per  cent,  be  added  to  that  answer,  the  sum  will  be  too  great  by  only  14,012 
grains  for  every  1,000  avoirdupois  pounds,  or  14  grains  for  every  pound.  Ex.:  To  find 
the  number  of  grams  equivalent  to  1,000  avoirdupois  pounds,  multiply  by  500  and  de- 
duct 10  per  cent. ;  the  answer  will  be  450,000,  which  is  3,592  less  than  the  exact  num- 
ber of  grams  equivalent  to  1,000  avoirdupois  pounds.  Add  to  the  answer  (450,000)  1 
per  cent.  (4,500),  and  the  sum  will  be  454,500,  which  is  only  903  more  than  the  exact 
number  of  grams  equivalent  to  1,000  avoirdupois  pounds  (453,592.) 

(6)  The  answer/or  measures  arrived  at  by  this  rule  will  be  too  small  by  nearly  49 
pints  for  every  1,000  pints,  or  nearly  5  per  cent.  If  5  per  cent,  be  added  to  that 
answer,  the  snm  will  be  too  small  by  only  22|  fluidounces  for  every  1,000  pints,  or  11 


182 


METRIC    SYSTEM. 


METRIC    SYaTEM. 


183 


minims  for  every  pint.  Ex.:  To  find  the  nnmber  of  cubic  centimeters  equivalent  to 
1,000  pints,  multiply  by  500  and  deduct  10  per  cent.;  the  answer  will  be  450,000,  which 
is  less  by  23,16:^74  than  the  exact  nnmber  of  cubic  centimeters  equivalent  to  1,000 
pints.  Add  to  the  answer  (450,000;  5  per  cent.  (22,500),  and  the  sum  will  be  472,500, 
which  is  only  663.74  less  than  the  exact  number  of  cubic  centimeters  equivalent  to 
1,000  pints  (473,163.74). 

Rule  O.— To  convert  grams  into  avoirdupois  pounds  (a),  or  cubic  centi- 
meters INTO  PINTS  (&) :  Add  10  j>er  cent,  and  divide  hy  500. 

Note.— (a.)  The  answer /or  weights  arrived  at  by  this  rule  will  be  too  small  by  32.35 
grains  in  every  1,000  grams,  or  about  one-fourth  per  cent.  If  one- fourth  per  cent,  be 
added  to  that  answer,  the  result  will  be  too  great  by  only  6.3  grains  for  every  1,000 
grams,  or  about  one  one-hundred-and-fiftieth  of  a  grain  for  every  gram.  Ex.:  To  find 
the  nnml)er  of  avoirdupois  pounds  equivalent  to  1,000  grams,  add  10  per  cent,  and 
then  divide  the  sum  by  500;  the  answer  will  be  2.2,  which  is  0.0040  less  than  the  ex- 
act number  of  avoirdupois  pounds  equivalent  to  1,000  grams.  Add  to  the  answer  (2.2) 
one-fourth  per  cent.  (0.0055)  and  the  sum  will  be  2.2055,  which  is  only  0.0009  more  than 
the  exact  number  of  avoirdupois  pounds  equivalent  to  1,000  grams  (2.20462-f). 

(6.)  The  answer /or  meaHurts  arrived  at  by  this  rule  will  be  too  great  by  0.00  pints 
for  every  1,000  cubic  centimeters,  or  about  4  per  cent.  If  5  per  cent,  be  deducted  from 
that  answer,  the  sum  will  be  too  small  by  one-third  fluid  ounce  for  every  1,000  cubic 
centimeters,  or  one-sixth  of  a  minim  for  every  cubic  centimeter.  Ex. :  To  find  the 
number  of  pints  equivalent  to  1 ,000  cubic  centimeters,  add  ten  per  cent,  and  divide  the 
sum  by  500 ;  the  answer  will  be  2.20,  which  is  more  by  0.09  than  the  exact  number  of 
pints  equivalent  to  1,000  cubic  centimeters.  Deduct  from  the  answer  (2.20)  5  per  cent. 
(0.11)  and  the  remainder  will  be  2.09,  which  is  only  0.02  less  than  the  exact  number  of  y^ 
pints  equivalent  to  1,000  cubic  centimeters  (2.1 1+).  "A 

Rule  P.— To  convert  avoirdupois  pounds  into  half- kilograms  (a)  or  pints 
INTO  half-liters  (6) :  Deduct  \Q per  cent.* 

Rule  Q.— To  convert  half-kilograms  into  avoirdupois  pounds  (a)  or  half- 
liters  INTO  PINTS  (6).    Add  10 per  cent,  t 

Rule  R.— To  CONVERT  AVOIRDUPOIS  OUNCES  INTO  grams:  Multiply  by  20  and  then 
deduct  b  per  cent. 

Note.— The  answer  arrived  at  by  this  rule  will  be  too  great  by  about  5.30  avoirdu- 
pois ounces  for  every  1,000  avoirdupois  ounces  (about  one-half  of  1  per  cent.),  or  2.4 
grains  for  every  ounce.  Ex. :  To  find  the  number  of  grams  equivalent  to  1,000  avoir- 
dupois ounces,  multiply  by  30,  and  from  the  product  deduct  5  per  cent. ;  the  answer 
will  be  28.500,  which  is  150.46  more  than  the  exact  number  of  grams  equivalent  to 
1,000  avoirdupois  ounces  (28,349.54.) 

Rule  S.— To  convert  grams  into  avoirdupois  ounces  :  Divide  by  30  and  add  5 
per  cent.  * 

IfOTE.— The  answer  arrived  at  by  this  rule  will  be  too  small  by  0.273  ounces  for 
every  1,000  grams,  or  less  than  0.3  grain  for  each  gram. 

Rule  T.— To  convert  yards  into  meters  :  Deduct  10  per  cent. 

Note.— The  answer  arrived  at  by  this  rule  will  be  too  small  by  15.75  yards  for  every  . 
1,000  yards,  or  a  little  over  H  P«r  cent.  If  li  per  cent,  be  added  to  that  answer,  the  y 
sum  will  be  too  small  by  only  about  35^  inches  for  every  1,000  yards,  or  one-thirtieth 
inch  for  every  yard.  Ex. :  To  find  the  number  of  meters  equivalent  to  1,000  yards, 
deduct  100 ;  the  remainder,  900,  lacks  14.39  of  being  the  exact  number  of  meters  equiv- 
alent to  1,000  yards.  Add  to  the  answer  (900)  \\  per  cent.  (13.50)  and  the  sum  will  be 
913.50,  which  is  only  0.9  less  than  the  exact  number  of  meters  equivalent  to  1,000 
yards  (914.39+). 

Rule  U.— To  convert  meters  into  yards:  Add  \Qper  cent. 

Note.— The  answer  arrived  at  by  this  rule  will  be  too  great  by  19.13  feet  for  every 
1,000  meters,  or  a  little  over  one-half  per  cent.  If  one-half  per  cent,  be  deducted  from 
that  answer,  the  remainder  will  be  too  great  by  only  about  32^  inches  for  every  1,000 
meters,  or  about  one-thirtieth  inch  for  every  meter.  Ex :  To  find  the  number  of  yards 
equivalent  to  1,000  meters,  add  10  per  cent. ;  the  answer  will  be  1,100  or  6.38  more 

•The  Auawers,  for  ioeights  and  measures,  respectively,  arrived  at  by  this  rule,  are  as  , 
nearly  the  exact  equivalents  as  are  the  answers  arrived  at  by  Rule  N  (a)  and  (&),  and  >i 
require  similar  corrections  to  insure  greater  accuracy,  if  deemed  necessary.  ' 

tThe  answers, /or  weights  and  measures,  respectively,  arTived  at  by  this  rule,  are  as 
nearly  the  exact  equivalents  as  are  the  answers  arrived  at  by  Rule  O  (a)  and  (6),  and 
require  similar  corrections  to  insure  greater  accuracy,  if  deemed  necessary. 


> 


V 


> 


< 


than  the  exact  number  of  yards  equivalent  to  1,000  meters.    Deduct  from  the  answer 
(1,100)  one-half  per  cent.  (5.50)  and  the  remainder  will  be  1,094.50,  which  is  only 
about  0.88  more   than   the   exact   number  of   yards   equivalent    to   1,000  meters 
(1,093.62-i- ). 
Rule  W.— To  convert  feet  into  meters:  Multiply  by  3  and  divide  by  10, 

Note.— The  answer  arrived  at  by  this  rule  will  be  too  small  by  13.75  feet  for  every 
1,000  feet,  or  a  little  over  H  per  cent.  If  li  per  cent,  be  added  to  that  answer,  the 
sum  will  be  too  small  bv  onlv  about  one  foot  for  every  1,000  feet,  or  about  one-eightieth 
inch  for  every  foot.  Ex. :  to  find  the  number  of  meters  equivalent  to  1,000  feet,  mul- 
tiply by  3  and  divide  the  product  by  10 ;  the  answer  will  be  300,  or  4.8  less  than  the 
exact  number  of  meters  equivalent  to  1,000  feet.  Add  to  the  answer  (300)  1^  per  cent. 
(4.50),  and  the  sum  will  be  304.50,  which  is  only  about  0.3  less  than  the  exact  number 
of  meters  equivalent  to  1,000  feet  (304.80—). 

Rule  X.— To  convert  meters  into  feet:  Add  10 per  cent,  and  multiply  by  3. 

Note.— The  answer  arrived  at  by  this  rule  will  be  too  great  by  19.13  feet  for  every 
1,000  meters,  or  about  one-half  per  cent.  If  oue-half  per  ceut.  be  deducted  from  that 
answer,  the  remainder  will  be  too  great  by  only  about  2^  feet  for  every  1,000  meters, 
^  or  one-thirtieth  inch  for  every  meter.  Ex. :  To  find  the  number  of  feet  equivalent  to 
1,000  meters,  add  10  per  ceut.  and  multiply  by  3;  the  answer  will  be  3,300.00,  or  19.1.3 
more  than  the  exact  nnmber  of  feet  equivalent  to  1,000  meters.  Deduct  from  the 
answer  (3,300.00)  one-half  per  ceut.  (Ifi.oO),  and  the  remainder  will  be  3,2S3.;>0,  which 
is  only  about  2^  more  than  the  exact  number  of  feet  equivalent  to  1,000  meters 
(3,280.87—). 

Rule  Y.— To  convert  inches  into  meters  :  Divide  by  40. 

Note.— The  answer  arrived  at  bv  this  rule  will  be  too  small  by  15.75  inches  for  every 
1,000  inches,  or  about  H  per  ceut.  'if  H  percent.be  added  to  that  answer,  the  sum  will 
be  too  small  by  about  1  inch  for  every  1,000  inches,  or  about  yiiW  '^^^^  for  every  inch. 
Ex. :  To  find  the  number  of  meters  equivalent  to  1,000  inches,  divide  by  40  ;  the  an- 
swer will  be  25,  which  is  0.4  less  than  the  exact  number  of  meters  equivalent  to  1,000 
inches.  Add  to  the  answer  (25)  1^  per  cent.  (.375),  and  the  sum  will  be  25.37.3,  which 
is  only  about  0.025  less  than  the  exact  number  of  meters  equivalent  to  1,000  inches 
(25.40  — ). 

Rule  Z.— To  convert  meters  into  inches  :  Add  10  per  cent,  and  multiply  by  36, 

Note.— The  answer  arrived  at  by  this  rule  will  be  too  great  by  19.13  feet  for  every 
1,000  meters,  or  about  oue-half  per  cent.  If  one-half  per  cent,  be  deducted  from  that 
answer,  the  remainder  will  be  too  great  by  only  about  2i  feet  for  every  1,000  meters, 
or  one-thirtieth  inch  for  every  meter.  Ex. :  To  find  the  number  of  inches  equivalent 
to  1,000  meters,  add  10  per  cent,  and  multiply  by  36 ;  the  answer  will  be  39,600,  which 
is  229.57  more  than  the  exact  number  of  inches  equivalent  to  1,000  meters.  Deduct 
from  the  answer  (.39,6)0)  one-half  per  ceut.  (19S),  and  the  remainder  will  be  39,402, 
which  is  only  31.57  more  than  the  exact  number  of  inches  equivalent  to  1,000  meters 
(39,370.43). 

In  preparing  requisitions  for  medical  supplies,  500  grams  might  be  estimated  for  in- 
stead of  1  avoirdupois  pound,  the  latter  bein§  about  1^  ounces  less  than  the  former 
quantity ;  30  grams  might  be  estimated  for  instead  of  one  ounce  (avoirdupois),  the 
latter  being  about  20  grains  less  than  the  former  quantity  ;  and  5  grams  might  be  esti- 
mated for  instead  of  one-eighth  ounce  (avoirdupois),  the  latter  being  20  grains  less; 
500  cubic  centimeters  might  be  estimated  for  instead  of  16  fluid  ounces,  the  latter  being 
about  1  fluid  ounce  less ;  and  30  cubic  centimeters  might  be  estimated  for  instead  of  1 
fluid  ounce,  the  latter  being  about  30  minims  less  than  the  former  quantity.  One 
meter  might  be  estimated  for  instead  of  1  yard,  the  latter  being  about  3^  inches  less 
than  the  former. 

I  append  tables  showing  the  relation  of  the  metric  units  of  measurement  of  length, 
volume,  and  weight— the  only  units  with  which  we  ha%'e  to  do  in  purveying,  and  for 
medical  and  pharmacal  purposes  generally— to  our  present  units,  and  vice  versa,  to- 
gether with  a  posological  table,  in  which  the  doses  are  stated  in  terms  of  both  the 
apothecaries'  and  the  metric  system. 


r 


184 


METRIC   SYSTEM. 


METRIC   SYSTEM. 


185 


A.— RELATION  OF  METRIC  TO  ENGLISH  MEASURES  OF  LENGTH. 

(I  meter=  39.370432  inches.— C?ar*e.)  * 


Meters. 

Equivalents  in — 

-    

Meters. 

Equivalents  in— 

Inches. 

Feet. 

Yards. 

Inches. 

Feet 

Yards. 

0.001 

0.039 

0.394 

a  937 

39. 370 

78. 741 

118.111 

157.  482 

196.  852 

236. 223 

275. 593 

314.  963 

354.334 

393.704 

11 
12 
13 
14 
15 
16 
17 
18 
19 
20 
100 
1,000 

433. 075 
472.  445 
511.816 
551. 186 
.'.90.  556 
C29.  927 
669.  297 
708. 668 
748.  038 
787.  409 
39.37.  043 
3, 9370.  432 

36.099 
39.370 
42.651 
45.932 
49. 213 
52.  494 
55.775 
59.056 
62.337 
65.617 
3-28.  087 
3260.  869 

12  030 

0.010 

.............. 

13  12.1 

0.100 

1.000 

2 

3 

4 

5 

7 

8 

9 

10 

0.328 

3.281 

6. 562 

9.843 

13. 123 

16  404 

19.  6j-5 

22.966 

26.  247 

29.52^ 

;^2. 809 

0.109 
1.094 
2.187 
3.281 
4.374 
5.468 
6.  562 
7.655 
8.749 
9. 843 
10. 936 

14.217 
15.  311 
16.404 
17.  498 
18. 592 
19.  685 
20.779 
21.  872 
109.  3C2 
1, 093.  623 

B.— RELATION 


Meters. 

1  inch  is  equal  to 0. 025 

2  inches  is  eqnal  to 0.051 

3 do do 0.076 

4 do :ld 0.102 

5 do do 0. 12"; 

6 do do 0.152 

7  ....do do 0.178 

8  ....do do 0.203 

9 do do 0.229 

10 do do 0.254 

11 do do 0.279 

1  foot  is  equal  to 0.305 

2  feet  is  equal  to 0.610 

3  ....do do 0.914 

4  ....do do 1.219 

5  ....do do 1.524 

6  ....do do 1.829 

7  ....do do 2.134 

o  ••..do......do  ................  2.438 

9 do do 2.743 

10  ....do do 3.048 

11  ....do do 3.353 

12  ....do do 3.658 

13  ....do do 3.962 

14  ....do do 4.267 

15  ....do do 4.572 

16  ....do do 4.877 


ETRIC  MEASURES  OF  LENGTH. 

139178  meters.] 

Meters. 

17  feet  is  equal  to 5.  li^2 

18  ....  do do 5.  4h> 

19 do do 

20 do do 

5.791 

6. 096 

21 do do 

22  ....do do 

23 do do 

24  ....do do 

6.401 

6.706 

7.010 

7.315 

25 do do 

26 do do 

27  ....do do 

28 do do 

29  ....do do 

7.620 

7.925 

8.230 

8.534 

8.839 

30  ....do do 

31 do do 

32 do do 

33  ....  do ......  do  ...... ... 

9.144 

9.449 

9.754 

10.058 

34  ....do do 

35  ....do do 

36  ....  do ......  do  .••.•• .... 

10.363 

10.668 

10.973 

37  ....do do 

38  ....do.. ....do  ...... .... 

39  ....do do , 

40  ....do... ...do 

50  ....  do ......  do  ...... .... 

11.277 

11.582 

11.887 

12.192 

15.240 

100  ....do... ...do 

30.480 

Y 


/ 


Y 


C.*— RELATION  OF  METRIC  TO  ENGLISH  CUBIC  MEASURES. 


Minims. 


0. 05  cubic  centimeter  is  equal  tc 

►.     0. 81  + 

0.06 do 

do 

.     0. 97  + 

0.07 do 

do.  .--. 

.     1. 14  — 

0.08 do 

do 

.     1. 30  — 

0.09 do 

do. .--.. 

.     1.46  + 

0.10 do 

do. ..... 

.     L62  + 

0.11 do 

do 

.     1.79  — 

0.12 do 

do 

.     1.95  — 

0. 13 do..... 

(lO 

.     2. 11  + 

0. 14 do 

do. ..... 

.     2.27  + 

0. 15.. ---.do 

do 

.     2. 43  + 

0. 16 do 

do 

.     2. 60  — 

0. 17.. ....do...-. 

do 

..     2.76  — 

0.18 do 

do 

.     2. 92  + 

0. 19.. ....do..... 

. do 

..     3.08  + 

0.20 do 

do 

..     3.25  — 

0.25 do 

do 

..     4.06  — 

0.30 do 

•  •  •  «  •  CLO  ■•••»■ 

..     4.87  + 

0.:35 do 

do 

..     5.68  — 

0.40 do 

do 

..     6.49  + 

0.45.. do 

do 

..     7.30  + 

0.50 do 

do 

..     8.12  — 

0.55.. ....do..... 

do 

..     8.93  — 

0.60 do 

do. ..-- 

..     9.74  — 

0.65 do 

do 

..  10.55  + 

0.70 do 

do..--- 

..   n.36  + 

0.75 do 

•  •  •  «  ■  U  V  •  •  •  •  • 

..   12.17  + 

0. 80 do....- 

do 

..  12.98  + 

0.85 do 

do. ..-- 

..  13.80  — 

0.90 do 

do 

..  16.61  — 

0. 95....-.do....- 

do. .... 

..  15.42  — 

l do 

do. .... 

..  16.23  + 

2. .....do..... 

do 

..  32.46  + 

3 do 

do 

..  48.69  + 

4  cubic  centimeters  is  equal  to . 

6.. ....do ...do  .... 

7 do do  .... 

O  «  •  «  *  «  *  \\\}  ••*•••    •a««»»UtJ     •«*• 
«'••*»*»  Uv  •••■•■    ••*«*•  UVr     •  «  •  • 

10 do......  .-.-..do  .... 

20 do do  .... 


30. 

do. 

40. 

do. 

50 

do. 

60 

do 

70. 

.  -  - - . do 

80. 

do 

90. 

do 

100. 

do 

150. 

do 

200. 

do 

250. 

do 

300. 

do 

350. 

do 

400. 

do 

450. 

do 

500. 

do 

600. 

do 

700. 

do 

800. 

do 

900. 

do 

1,000. 

do 

See  foot-note  to  page  95. 


Fl.  dra 
L08  + 
L35  + 
1.62  + 
L89  + 
2. 16  + 
2.43  + 
2.71  — 
5.41  + 

Fl.  ozs. 

do....  1.01  + 

do  ....  1.  35  + 

.do....  L69  + 

.do....  2.03  — 

.do....  2.37  — 

.do....  2.71  — 

.do....  3.04  + 

.do....  3.38  + 

.do....  5.07  + 

.do  ....  6. 76  + 

.do  ....  8.45  + 

.do  .-..  10.14  + 

.do....  11.84  — 

.do....  13.53  — 

.do  ....  15.22  — 

Pinta 

.do....  1.06  — 

.do....  1.27  — 

.do  ....  1.45  — 

.do.-..  1.69  + 

.do....  L90  + 

.do  ....  2. 11  — 


(1  square  meter  i^  equal  to  1550.O30915870  square  inches.) 


f 


-< 


r 


186  METRIC   SYSTEM. 

D.— RELATION  OF  ENGLISH  TO  METRIC  CUBIC  MEASURES. 


METRIC   SYSTEM. 


187 


1  uiiDim  is  eqnal  to 

2  mmims  is  eqnal  to...... .. 

3 do do.... 

4 do. .....do 

o-...do......do...... ...... 

6 do do 

7 do do 

8... .do do 

y — do do 

10 do......  do..... 

11 do do 

12 do do 

13 do do 

14 do do 

15....  do do. 

16... .do. .....do...... .... .. 

17 do do.... 

18 do do 

lU do do 

20....  do do 

21 do do 

22 do do 

23 do do 

24 do do 

25 do... ...do.... 

26. ...do. .....do 

27. ...do do 

*'~  ....  t*0  ......  QO  ......  ....  .. 

29. ...do do 

30. ...do. .....do 

35. ...do do 

40. ...do do 

45. ...do do 

50 do do 

oo....  do......  do...... ...... 

60. ...do..... .do.... 

70. ...do.. ....do.... 

80....do......  do. ........... 

JO....  do......  do...... ...... 

100.... do do...... 

110.. ..do do....... 

120. ...do do... 

3  fluid  drachms  is  equal  to.. 

4  •  •  .  .  uO  ......  QO  ......  ....  „. 


C.C. 

..  0.06  + 

..  0.12  + 

..  0.18  + 

..  0.25  — 

..  0.31  — 

..  0.37  — 

..  0.43  + 

..  0.49  + 

0. 55  + 

..  0.62  — 

..  0.68  — 

..  0.74  — 

..  0.80  + 

..  0.86  + 

..  0.92  + 

..  0.99  — 

..  L05  — 

..  Lll  — 

..  1.17  + 

..  1.23  + 

..  L29  + 

..  1.36— 

..  1.42  — 

..  1.48  — 

..  1.54  + 

..  1.60  + 

..  1.66  + 

1. 73  — 

..  1.79  — 

..  1.85  — 

..  2.16— 

..  2.46  + 

..  2.77  + 

..  3.08  + 

..  3.39  — 

,.  3.70  — 

.  4.31  + 

.  4.93  — 

.  5.54  + 

.  6.16  + 

.  6.78  — 

.  7.39  + 

.  11.09  — 

.  14.79  — 


5  fluid  drams  is  eqnal  to  . 

6. ...do do 

7.. ..do do.... 

8... .do do...... ... 

9 do.. ....do.... 

10. ...do. .....do.... 

11 do do 

12 do do......... 

13 do do 

14 do do 

15  —  do do 

16, ...do do 

3  fluid  ounces  is  eqnal  to . 

4 do do 

5 do do 

6....  do......  do 

—  do...... do...... ... 

...do do 

...do.. ....do 

...do.. --..do 

...  IIO  ......  QO  ......  •-« 

...  do ......  do ...... .  -  - 

...do.. ....do.. ....... 

...do......  do......  •■.- 

•  •  •  QO •««««•  QO *•*«*«  ••« 

•  ••do....«.do..«...  ••• 

•  •  •  QO  ••••••  QO  ••«•■•  ••• 

•  •  •  QO ••••••  QO ••««•«  ••• 

» « *  QO ••••••  QO •••«••  •*• 

•  •  •  QO  ••••••  QO  •«<■•••  ••« 

...do..... .do...... ... 

•  •  >  QO  ••«*•«  QO  •»•»«•  •«• 

•  •  .'do  ...•••  do  •••••.••• 

•  •  •  QO  ••••••  QO  ••••••  •«<■ 

•  •  «  UO  «•••••  vlO  •  m  <m  m 

•  ■  •  QO  ••••••  QO  ••«*••  ••» 

•  •  •  QO  •••••«  QO  ••••■«  ••« 

•  •  «  QO  ■•••••  QO  ••••■>••  •«• 
«  «  •  UO  ••««••  QO  ••««»•  ••« 

•  «  •  QO  •••«••  QO  «•••••  «•* 
»  •  *  UO  ••••••  UO  •••«•■  ••• 

•  •  •  QO  ••••••  QO  •  m  mmm  m  •mm 

•  •  •  QO  ••«•••  QO  •••«••  ••• 


7 
8 
9 
10 
11 
12 
13 
14 
15 
16 
17 
18 
19 
20 
21 
22 
2:3 
24 
25 
26 
27 
28 
29 
30 
31 
32 
64, 
128, 


m   ••«*«< 


18. 

22. 

25. 

29. 

33. 

36. 

40. 

44. 

48. 

51. 

55. 

59. 

88. 
118. 
147. 
177. 
206. 
236. 
266. 
295. 
325. 
354. 
384. 
413. 
443. 
473. 
502. 
532. 
561. 
591. 
621. 
650. 
680. 
709. 
739. 
768. 
798. 
828. 
857. 
887. 
916. 
946. 
1892. 
3785. 


C. 

48  + 
18  — 
88  — 
57  + 
27  — 
97  — 

66  + 

36  — 
06  — 
75  + 
45  — 
10  — 

67  — 

24  + 

81  + 

39  — 

96  — 

53  + 

10  + 

68  — 

25  + 

82  + 

40  — 

97  — 

54  + 

11  + 

69  — 

26  — 

93  + 

50  + 

08  — 

65  + 

22  + 
80  + 

37  — 

94  + 

51  + 

09  — 

66  — 

23  — 
80  + 

38  — 
75  + 
51  — 


E.— RELATION  OF  METRIC  TO  APOTHECARIES'  WEIGHTS.* 

(1  gram  =  15.23434874  troy  grains.] 


0.0013... 

..do. 

do.... 

0.0015... 

.do. 

. .  .  .  •  QO  .... 

0.0020... 

.do. 

do.... 

0.0025... 

..do. 

do 

0.0030... 

..do. 

■  *  •  •  •  QO  mm  mm 

0.0035... 

.do. 

do.... 

0.0040... 

.do. 

»  «  •  •  «  QO  •  »  V  « 

0.0045... 

.do.. 

.....do.... 

0.0050... 

.do. 

do  ... 

0.0055... 

.do.. 

do.... 

0.0060... 

.do.. 

do.... 

Grains. 

0. 015 
0.019 
0.023 
0,031 
0.039 
0.046 
0.054 
0.062 
0.069 
0.077 
0.085 
0.093 


0. 0065  gram  is  equal  to. 

0.0070.. ..do do... 

0.0075 do do... 

0.0080... .do do... 

0.0085. ...do do... 

0.0090.. ..do do... 

0.0095. ...do.... ..do... 

0,0100. ...do do... 

0.0125. ...do do... 

0.0150.. ..do do... 

0.0200.. ..do do... 

0.0250 do do... 


Grains. 
0.100 
0.108 
0.116 
0.  123 
0. 131 
0.139 
0.147 
0.154 
0.193 
0.231 
0.309 
0.386 


V 


E.-RELATION  OF  METRIC  TO  APOTHECARIES'  WEIGHT— Continued. 


0.0300 

0. 0350 

0. 0400 

0. 0450 

0.050 

0.055 

0.060 

0.065 

0.070 

0. 075 

0.080 

o.oa5 

0.090 
0. 095 
0.100 
0.110 
0. 120 
0.130 
0.140 
0. 150 
0.160 
0.170 
0.180 
0.190 
0.200 
0. 210 
0.220 
0.230 
0.240 
0.250 
0.260 
0.270 
0.280 
0.290 
0.300 
0.310 
0. 320 
0.330 
0.340 
0.350 
0.360 
0.370 
0.380 
0.390 
0.400 
0  500 
0.600 
0.700 
0.800 
0.900 
1 
2 
3 
4 
5 
6 
7 
8 
9 
10 
11 
12 
13 


gram  is  equal  to . 

....do. .....do 

....do......  do...... 

do do 

....  do ...--.  do ...... 

....do do...-:. 

do do 

do do 

....do do 

do do...  — 

....do do 


...  do 

....do 

do 

do 

....do.... 

do 

do 

. ...  do ... . 

do.... 

....  do ... . 

do 

..do 

..do 

. . do . . . . 
. .  do  — 

..do 

..do — 
..do  — 
..do  — 


do . . 

do.. 

...  do.. 

do.. 

do .  - 

....  do . . 

do . . 

do . . 

....do-.- 
. . . . do . . . 

do... 

do... 

....do... 
....do... 

. do . . . 

....do... 

•  «  •  •  UO  •  «  • 

....do... 

. . . . do . . . 

....do. .....do.. 

....do.. ....do.. 

....do.. ....do.. 

....do. .....do.. 

....do. .....do.. 

....do.. ....do.. 

....  do ......  do . . 

....do... ...do.. 

....do do.. 

....do......do.. 

....  do ......  do . . 

....do......  do.. 

....do do.. 

....  do ......  do . . 


....do... 
....do... 
. . , . do . . . 
....do... 
....do... 
. . . . do . . , 
. do . . 


..do... 
. . do . . . 
..do... 
. .  do . . . 
...do.., 
..do... 
, . . do . . . 


grams  is  equal  to . 

....do do... 

....do....M.do... 
....do.. ....do... 

do do... 

....do. do... 

....do ...do... 

....do. .....do... 

•  •  •  •  QO  •««•»•  QO  •  •  < 

....do do... 

....do... ...do... 

....do......do... 


Grains. 
0.463 
0.540 
0.617 
0. 694 

0.  772 
0.849 
0. 926 
1.003 
1.080 
1.157 
1.235 
1. 312 
1.389 
1.466 
1.543 
L698 

1.  852 
0. 006 
2.161 
2. 315 

2.  469 
2. 623 
2.778 
2. 932 
3.086 
3.241 

3.  395 
3.549 
3.704 
3.858 
4.012 
4.167 
4. 321 
4.475 
4.630 
4.784 
4.938 
5.093 
5.247 
5.401 
5.556 
5.710 
5.864 
6.019 
6.175 
7.716 
9.259 

10. 803 

12.346 

13.889 

15. 432 

30.865 

46.297 

61. 729 

77. 162 

92. 594 

108. 026 

123. 459 

138. 891 

154.  323 

169. 756 

185. 188 

200. 620 


14 
15 

16 
17 
18 

19 
20 
21 
22 
23 
24 
25 
26 
27 
28 
29 
30 
31 
32 
33 
34 
35 
36 
37 
38 
39 
40 
50 
60 
70 
80 
90 
100 
125 
150 
200 
250 
300 
3:i3 
350 
400 
450 
500 
600 
700 
750 
800 
900 
1,000 
1,500 
2,000 
2,500 
3,000 
3,500 
4,000 
4,500 
5,000 
10, 000 
20, 000 
25, 000 
50,000 
100, 000 


grams  is 
....do.. 
....do.. 
....do.. 

do .  - 

....do.. 

do.. 

do.. 

do . . 

....  do . . 

do.- 

....do.. 
....do.. 

do.. 

do . . 

do . . 

■ do.. 

do.. 

do.. 

do.. 

do.. 

....do.. 

do .  - 

....do.. 
....do.. 

do.. 

do.. 

....do.. 

do . . 

....  do . . 
....  do . . 
....  do . . 
....do.. 
....do.. 

do., 

do.. 

....  do.. 

. do.. 

....do., 

do.. 

....do., 
....  do . 

do. 

do . 

....  do . 

do. 

....do. 

do. 

....do. 
....no. 

do. 

....  do . 

do. 

....do. 
....do. 

ko. 

do. 

....do. 

do. 

do. 

...do. 
do . 


equal  to. 
. . . . do . . . 
. . . . do . . . 

do... 

do... 

do... 

do... 

do . . . 

....do... 
..  .do... 
. . . . do . . . 
....do... 

do... 

.-..do... 

do... 

do... 

do... 

....do... 

do... 

do.-. 

do .  - . 

.....do... 

do... 

do... 

do.., 

do.-, 

.....do... 

do... 

. . . . .  do . . , 

do.. 

. . . . . do . . . 

do.. 

do.. 

do.. 

do.. 

.....do.. 

. . do . . 

do.. 

do.. 

do.. 

.....do.. 
.....do.. 

do . . 

do.. 

•  «  «  «  •  V/O  •  • 

do.. 

do . . 

. . . . .  do . . 
.....do.. 

•  •  •  •  •  U.O  •  ■ 

do . . 

do.. 

do.. 

.....do.. 
.....  do . . 

do.. 

do.. 

do . . 

do.. 

.....do.. 

do.. 

do . . 


Grains. 
216.053 
231.485 
246.918 
262. -350 
277.782 
293.215 
308.647 
324.079 
339.512 
354.944 
370.376 
385.809 
401.241 
416.673 
432.106 
447.  53S 
462.970 
478.403 
493.8:i'S 
509.268 
524.700 
540.132 
5.55. 565 
579.997 
586.429 
601.862 
617.294 
771.617 
925.941 
...       1,080.264 
...      1,234.588 
...      1,388.911 
...       1,543.235 
...       1,929.044 
...      2,314.852 
...       3,086.470 
...      3,858.087 
...       4.629.705 
...      5,144.118 
...      5,401.322 
...      6,172.940 
...      6,944.557 
...      7,716.174 
...      9,259.409 
...     10,802.644 
...     11,574.262 
...     12,345.879 
...     13,880.114 
...     15,432.35 
...     23,148.52 
...     30,864.70 
...     38,580.87 
...     46,297.05 
...     54,013.22 
...     61,729.40 
....     68,445.57 
...     77,16L74 
....  154,432.35 
....  308,640.97 
....  385,808.72 
...  771,617.44 
...1543.234.87 


•  See  foot-note  to  page  95. 


V 


188 


METRIC   SYSTEM. 


METRIC    SYSTEM. 


189 


F.— RELATION  OF  APOTHECARIES'  TO  METRIC  WEIGHTS. 

[1  troy  grain  =  0.06479S95  -f  gram.] 


G.— RELATION  OF  METRIC  TO  AVOIRDUPOIS  WEIGHTS. 


Grains. 


h 

h 

I 

10 

i 

t: 

i 

\ 

1  . 

2  . 

2i 
3. 
4  . 


7 
8 
9 
10 
11 
12 
13 
14 
15 
16 
17 
18 
19 
20 
21 
22 
23 
24 


Gm. 

troy  grain  is  equal  to 0. 00101  -f 

do do 0.00108  — 

--..do do 0.00130  — 

....  do .... 
....do.... 
....do 

•  •  •  •  uO  •  •  •>  ■ 


.do 0.00135  — 

.do 0.00162  — 

•  do 0.00180  — 

-do 0.0020-2 -f 

—  -do do 0.00216  — 

--..do do 0. 00259 -f- 

do do 0. 00270  — 

do do 0.00324  — 

do do 0.003W  — 

do do 0.00405  — 

do do 


0.00432  — 

do 0.00540  — 

do 0.00(>48  — 

do 0.00810  — 

.do 0.01080  — 

-do do 0.01296  — 

..do... 
.do... 


...do... 
...do... 
...do... 
...do... 


do 0.01620  — 

do 0.02160  — 

.-.-do do 0.03240  — 

do do 0.04860  — 

'...do do 0.06480  — 

troy  grains  are  equal  to. ..  0. 09720  — 

...do do 0.12960  — 

do 0.16200  — 

do 0.19440  — 

do 0.25920  — 

do 0. 32399 -f 

do 0.38879  — 

do 0.45.359  — 

do 0.51839  — 

do 0.58319-1- 

---.do 0.64799  — 


..  .do. 
. . . .  do . 
. . . .  do . 
...do. 
...do. 
— do. 
...  do . 
...do. 
...do. 
...do.... 
,...do. 
— do. 
...  do . 
...do. 
...do. 
...do. 
...  do . 
...do. 
...do. 
...  do . 
...do. 
. . . do . 
...do. 


..do. 

-do 


0. 71297  — 
0. 77759  — 
0. 84239  — 
0.90718-1- 
0. 97198  + 
1.037  — 
1.102 


do 1.166 


-.do 1.231 

. .  clo  ...•••......  1. 296 

..do............  1.361 

-.do 1.426 

..do...... ......  1.458 

-.do...... ......  1.555 


+ 


25  troy  grains  are  equal  to.. . 


Gm. 

1.620-1- 
1.685  — 
1. 749  -f 
1. 814  — 


26 do do.. 

27 do do 

28 do do 

29 do do 1.869  — 

30 do do 1.944  — 

40 do do 2.592  — 

50 do do .3.240  — 

1  drachm  is  equal  to 3. 880  — 

2  drachms  are  equal  to 7. 776  _ 

3 do do 11.664  — 

4  ....do do 15.552  — 

..do do 19.440  — 

.-do do 23.328  — 

--do do 27.216  — 

1  ounce  is  equal  to 31.103  -f 

1|  ounces  are  equal  to 46. 655  -\- 


2 
3 
4 
5 

6 
7 
8 
9 
10 
11 


do 

..do 

..do 

. .  do 

..do 

.  . UO •  .  .  .  • 

.do..... 

.do 

.do 

.do. 


12  ....do. 
13 
14 
15 
16 
17 
18 
19 
20 
21 
22 
23 
24 
25 
26 
27 
28 
29 
30 
40 
50 
100 


do 62.207  — 

do 93.3104- 

do 1-24.414- 

do 155.517 -f- 

do 186.621  — 

do 217.7-24  — 

do 248.8-2:}  — 

..do 279.931  -I- 

..do 311.035  — 

..do 342.138  + 

..do 373.2.50  — 

.do do 404. 345 -f 

.do do 4.35.449  — 

.do do 466.552 -f- 

.do do 497.656  — 

.do do 528. 759 -f- 

•  do 559. 863 -f 

.do 590. 966 -i- 

•  do 6-2-2.070  — 

.do..... 653. 173 -f- 

.do 684.-277  — 

do 715.380 -f 


..do.. 

. . do . . 

..do.. 

..do.. 

. . do . . 

,.do. 

..do. 


...  ..do.., 


do ......  do ,. , 

..  ..do. .....do.. , 

....do... ...do... 

....do...... do... 

....do do... 

....do......  do... 

....do do... 

....do.. ....do... 

....do.. ....do.., 


.  746.  499 -f. 
.  779.587-1- 
.  808. 691  — 
.  839. 794  -f 
,.  870.898  — 
.  902. 001  -I- 
.  93.3.105  — 
.1244.14  -f. 
.1555.17  -f 
.3110.35  — 


A 


^ 


r 


1  gram  is  equal  to 15. 

2  grams  are  equal  to 30. 

3. .do do 46. 

4.. do do 61. 

5. .do do 77. 

6. .do do 92. 

7. .do do 108. 

8. .do ...no 123. 

9. -do do 138. 

10. .do do 154. 

11. .do do 169. 


12. .do do, 

13. .do do. 

14. .do do. 

15. -do do. 


185. 

200. 

216. 

231 


432 -f 

865  — 

297-4- 
7-29  -f- 
162  — 
594-1- 
0'26-H 
459  — 
891 -f. 
3-23  4- 
756  — 
188  4- 
6-21  — 
053  — 
.4854- 


16. 
17. 
18. 
19. 
20. 
21. 
22. 
23. 
24. 
25. 
26. 
27. 
28. 
29. 
30. 
31. 
32. 
33. 
34. 
35. 
36. 
37. 
38. 
39. 
40. 
50. 
60. 
70. 

!?0. 

00. 
100. 
150. 
200. 
250. 
300. 
400. 
500. 
1)00. 


do 246.92  — 

do 262.35  4- 

do 277.78  4- 

do 293.22  — 

do 308.65  — 

do 324.08  — 

.do do 339.51  4- 

.do do 354.94  4- 

.do do 370.38  — 

.do do 385.81  — 

.do do , 401.24  4- 

.do do 416.67  -h 


.do 
.do 
.do 
.do 
.do 
.do 


.do do 432.11  — 

.do do 1  ounce  and  10  grains. 

.do do 1  ounce  and25|  grains. 

.do do 1  ounce  and  4i  grains. 

.do do......... 1  ounce  and  56|  grains. 

.do do 1  ounce  and  7'2  grains. 

.do do ....1  ounce  and  87^  grains. 

.do do 1  ounce  and  103  grains. 

.do do 1  ounce  and  118  grains. 

.do do 1  ounce  and  1.33^  grains. 

.do do 1  ounce  and  149  grains. 

.do do 1  ounce  and  164^  grains. 

.do do 1  ounce  and  180  grains. 

.do do 1  ounce  and  334  grains. 

.do do .....2  ounces  and  50^  grains. 

.do do 2  ounces  and  205  grains. 

.do do 2  ounces  and  359  grains. 

.do do 3  ounces  and  76^  grains. 

.do do 3  ounces  and  155  grains* 

.do do 4  ounces  and  1-27  grains. 

.do do 7  ounces  and  *24  grains* 

.do do 8  ounces  and  358  grains. 

.do do 10  ounces  and  255  grains. 

.do do 14  ounces  and  48  grains* 

.do do 17  ounces  and  -279  grains. 

.do do 35  ounces  and  120  grains. 


190 


METKIC   SYSTEM. 


METRIC   SYSTEM 


191 


A  METRIC  POSOLOGICAL  TABLE,  IN  WHICH  THE  DOSES  ARE  EXPRESSED 
IN  TERMS  OF  BOTH  THE  APOTHECARIES'  AND  THE  METRIC  SYSTEM  OF 
WEIGHTS  AND  MEASURES. 

[The  GRAM  and  the  cubic  centimeter,  \rhen  referring  to  liquids,  may  be  considered  as  eqnal  quanti- 
ties, except  the  liquids  be  very  heavy  or  very  light.  The  average  "dkop  "  (water)  may  be  considered 
equal  to  0.05  C.  C.  or  0.05  Gm.  An  average  tea spoox  holds  5  C.  C,  and  an  average  tablespoon  20  C.C. 
It  is  safe  io  prescribe  30  Gm.  for  a  troy  ounce,  and  250  C.  C.  for  8  fluid  ounces.] 


Posoloqical  table.* 


H.— RELATION  OF  AVOIRDUPOIS  TO  METRIC  WEIGHTS. 


Vi;  avoirdnpois  onnce  is  equal  to 

\ do do 

\ do do 

\ .do do 


1 

2 
3 
4 

5 

6 

7 

8 

9 

10 

11 

12 

\\ 

14 

15 

1 

2 

3 

4 

5 

6 

7 

8 

9 

10 

11 


do do 

avoirdapois  onnces  are  eqnal  to 

do do 

do do 


.do. 
.do. 
.do. 
.do. 
.do. 
.do. 
.do. 
.do. 
do. 
.do. 


do 
do 
do 
do 
do 
do 
do 
do 
do 
do 


avoirdapois  pound  is  eqnal  to 

avoirdnpois  pounds  are  equal  to 

do do , 1, 

....do do 1, 

do do 2, 

do do 2, 

avoirdnpois  pounds  are  equal  to 3 

, ,do do 3 

do. do 4 

do do........ 4 

do do 4 


6m. 
L772 
3. 544 

7.088 
14.175 
28.350 
56.699 
85. 049 
113. 398 
141. 748 
170. 098 
198. 447 
226, 796 
255. 146 
283. 496 
311. 846 
340. 195 
368.544 
396.  894 
425. 243 
453. 592 
907.18 
360.78 
814. 37 
267.96 
721. 55 
, 175. 14 
,  628.  74 
,  082. 33 
,,535.92 
.089.52 


--ilY 


+ 

+ 

4- 


i<l> 


4- 


+ 


H- 


r 

< 


r 


[Including  the  United  States  and  British  Pharmacopoeias,  and  several  non-official  remedies  in  general  use.] 


Bemedies. 


Dose  expressed  in  terms  of 
apothecaries'  weights  and 
measures. 


Acet.  distillat 

Acetlobeliae 

Acet.  opii 

Acet.  sanguinar 

Acet.  scillse 

Acid.  acet.  dil . . 
Acid,  arsenios . . 
Acid,  benzoic . . . 

Acid,  boric 

Acid,  carbolic  .. 
Acid,  citric 


Acid,  gallic 

Acid,  hy driotic 

Acid,  hydrobromic... 
Acid.  hydrocyan.  dil. . 

Acid,  lactic    

Acid.  niur.  cone 

Acid,  muriat  dil 

Acid,  nitr .  cone 

Acid,  nitromur.  cone. 

Acid.  nitr.  dil 

Acid,  nitromur.  dil . . 
Acid,  phosphoric  dil. 
Acid,  phosph.  glac... 

Acid,  salicylic 

Acid,  sulph.  arom  . . . . 

Acid,  sulph.  cone 

Acid,  sniph.  dil 

Acid,  sulpburoa 

Acid.tauuic 

Acid,  tartaric 

Aconitia 

Aether  fortior 

Aether  acetic 

Aloe  barbad 

Aloepurificata 

Aloe  socotrina 

Aloinum 

Alumen 

Ammoniacum 

Ammonii  benzoas  . . . 

Ammonii  bromid 

Ammonii  carb 

Ammonii  chlorid  .... 

Ammonii  iodid 

Ammonii  phosph  .... 

Ammonii  picras 

Ammonii  valer...... 

Amyl  nitris 


Ito  2fl.dr 

30  toGOmin 

7  to  10  min 

15  toGOmin 

15  to  40  rain 

1  to   2  fl.dr 

c'oto   Jgr 

5  to  15  gr ... 

5to  10  gr 

Ito   3gr 

10  toSOgr 

3tO  15gr 

10  to  60  gr.  in  albuminuria  . . . 

15  to  30  gr 

40  gr.to2dr 

2to   dmin 

Ito   Sdr 

3tol0gr 

10  to  30  min 

3  tolOgr 

3  to  lOgr 

10  to  30  min 

5  to  20  min 

10  to  60  min 

Ito  2gr 

5  to  15  gr 

5  to  30  min 

5  to  15gr 

5  to  30  min 

30  to  60  min 

2tol0gr 

10  to  30  gr 

liuto^  gr 

20  to  40  mm 

20  to  60  min 

2  to   4  gr 

2to    4  gr 

3  to   6gi 

IJto   3gr 

10  to  15  gr 

10  to  20  gr 

10  ♦o20gr 

2to20gr , 

3tol0gr 

10  to  30  gr , 

2to   5gr , 

5to20  gr , 

Ito  2gr , 

5  to  10  gr , 

3  to   5  min , 


Dose  expressed  in  metric 
terms.t 


4  to  8  C.  C. 
2  to  4  C.  C. 
0.40  to  0.60  C.  C. 
Ito  4  C.C. 
1  to  2.50  C.  C. 
4  to  8  C.  C. 
0  001  to  0.008  Gm. 
0.30  to  1  Gm. 
0..30  to  0  60  Gm. 
0.05  to  0.20  Gm. 
0  50  to  2  Gm. 
0.20  to  1  Gm. 

0  50  to  4  Gm.  in  albuminuria. 

1  to2Gm. 

2  to  8  Gm. 

0.10  to  0.50  C.C. 
4  to  12  Gm. 
0.20  to  0.60  Gm. 
0.50  to  2  C.  C. 
0.20  to  0.60  Gm. 
0.20  to  0.60  Gm. 
0.50  to  2  C.  C. 
0.25  to  1.50  C.  C. 
0.50  to  4  C  C. 
0.05  to  0.12  Gm. 
0.30  to  1  Gm. 
0.25  to  2  C.C. 
0.30  to  0.60  Gm. 
0.25  to  2  C.  C. 
2  to  4  C.  C. 
0.10  toOeOGm. 
0.50  to  2  Gm. 
0.00015  to  0.0010  Gm. 
1.50  to  3  CC. 
1.50  to 4  C.C. 
0.10  to  0.30  Gm. 
0.10  to  0.30  Gm. 
0.15  to  0.40  Gm. 
0  03  to  0.20  Gm. 
0.50tolGm. 
0.50  to  1.30  Gm. 
0.50  to  1.30  Gm. 
0.10  to  1.30  Gm. 
0.15  to  0.60  Gm. 
0.50  to  2  Gm. 
0.10  to  0.40  Gm. 
0..30  to  1.30  Gm. 
0.05  to  0.12  Gm. 
0.30  to  0.60  Gm. 
010  to  0.  40  C.  C. 


*  Compiled  chiefly  from  Squire's  Companion  to  the  British  Pharmacopoeia,  10th  edition,  and  from  the 
United  States  Dispensatory. 

t  It  will  be  -seen  that  the  doses  as  given  in  metric  terms  are  not  xXx^eTMct  equivalents  of  the  doses  given 
in  apothecaries'  weghts  and  measures,  nor  are  they  in  all  cases  the  equivalent-^  arrived  at  l>y  the  rules 
given  in  the  preceding  pages ;  but  the  differences  are  insignificant  and  on  the  safe  side — bue  object 
aimed  at  being  to  avoid  complex  fractions. 


192 


METRIC    SYSTEM. 


METRIC    SYSTEM. 


193 


Fosological  table — Continued. 


Posological  table— Contmned. 


Bemediea. 


Dose  expressed  in  terms  of 
apothecaries'  weights  and 
measures. 


Ant.  et  pot.  tartr < 

Antiroonii  oxid 

Antim.  oxvsulphar 

Aiit.  snlphurat 

Apomorphia 

Aqua  ammonise 

Aqua  am.  ygd.  amar. ■ 

Aquaanisi 

Aqua  aurant.  flor 

Aqua  campborse 

Aqua  carui ■ 

Aquachlorini 

Aqua  cinnamomi 

Aquacreosoti ■ 

Aqua  foenicnli ■ 

Aqua  laurocerasi 

Aqua  meotbaipip 

Aqua  menth.  vir 

Aqua  picis  liqa ■ 

Aqua  pimentsQ 

Aqua  rosfB 

Argenti  nitras • 

Argenti  oxid 

Arseoici  iodid •. 

Atropine  sulphas ' 

Asafcetida 

Bals.  peruv 

Bals.  tolut 

Beberise  sulphas 

Bellad.  fol 

Bism.et  amnion,  citr 

Bismuthi  subcarb 

Bismutbi  subnitr 

Bi.smutbi  valer 

Borax 

Brayera  

Brncia 

Bnchu 

Caffeia 

Calcii  carb.  pra-cip 

Calcii  hj-pophosphis 

Calcii  iodid 

Calcii  phosph.  prsecip 

Calcii  sulphuret 

Calx  chloriuata 

Camphora 

Camph.  brom 

Canella 

Cantharis 

Capsicum 

Carbo  ligni - — . 

Cardamomum 

Caryopbyllum 

Cascarilia 

Castoreum 

Catechu 

Cerii  uxalas 

Chiretta ., 

Cbloitil  hydrate 

Chlorodyne    

Cbloroformum 

Chinchouse  cort   - 

Chinchouiie  sulph 

Chinchouidiai  sulph 


Diaphoretic,  ^  to  ^  gr 
Emetic,  1  to  2  gr 

1  to   3gr 

1  to   5gr 

1  to   5  gr 

^to^gr 

10  to20min , 

3  to   4fl.  dr 

Ito   2fl.  oz 

ito    Ifl.  oz 

^to   2fl.  oz 

Ito   2ti.  oz 

Ito   4fl.  dr 

Ito   2fl.  oz 

Ito   4fl.  dr 

1  to   2d.  oz 

5  to  30  min 

Ito   2fl.  oz 

Ito  2fl. 

2  to  4fl. 
Ito  2d. 
Ito   2fl. 

2gr. 


oz . 
oz 
oz 
oz 


■( 


to 
to 
to 
to 
ito 
ito 

t^to^gr 

T*nto  Agr... 

5to20gr... 

10  to  15  min . 

10  to  20  gr... 

1  to  10  gr... 
Ito  5gr... 
Ito  2gr.., 
5to20gr... 
5  to  15  gr. ., 
J  to  2gr... 
5to30gr. .. 

2  to  4dr... 
AtOiVgr... 
20  to  40  gr... 

Ito  2gr.., 
10  to  100  gr. , 

StolOgr... 

Ito  3gr... 
10  to  40  gr... 

ito   Igr... 

3  to  6gr... 
2to  lOgr  ., 
2  to   5gr. ., 

15  to  30  gr.., 
ito  2gr... 
J  to    Igr... 

20  to  60  gr.., 
5  to  20  gr... 
5  to  10  gr.. 

10  to 30  gr... 
5  to  lOgr. ., 

10  to  30  gr. .. 
1  to   2gr.,, 

10  to 30  gr.., 
5  to20gr. ., 
5  to  20  min 
1  to   5  min 

10  to  60  gr. 


to  20  gr. 


Cinuamom. 

Codeia 

Cokhicirad 

Colchici  .sem 

Colocy  uthis 

Culnmba 

Conf.  aromat..... 

Conf.  opii 

Conf.  piperis 

Couf.  ros* 

Conf.  scammonii 
Conf.  sen n;e    .... 
Conf.  -snlphuris . . 

Couia. 

Copaiba 


2gr. 


1  to  20  gr. 
10  to  30  gr. 

Ito 

2  to   8 
2tol0gr. ., 
2  to   8  gr. . . 

10  to  20  gr... 
10  to  60  gr... 

5  to20gr... 

Ito   2dr... 

ito  Idr... 
10  to  30  gr... 

Ito   2  dr.., 

2  to  4 dr.., 
AtOi»agr.., 
20  to  60  min. 


Dose 


expressed 
terms. 


in  metric 


0.004  to  0.01  Gm. 
0.05  to  0.10  Gm. 
0.05  to  0.15  Gm. 
0.05  to  0.30  Gm. 
0.05  to  0.30  Gm. 
0.003  to  0.006  Gm. 
0.50  to  1.30  C.  C. 
10  to  15  C.  C. 
30  to  60  C.  C. 
15  to  30  C.  C. 
15  to  60  C.  C. 
30  to  60  C.  C. 
4  to  15  C.  C. 
30  to  60  C.  C. 
4  to  15  C.  C. 
30  to  60  C.  C. 
0.30  to  2  C.  0. 
30  to  60  C.  C. 
30  to  60  C.  C . 
60  to  125  C.  C. 
30  to  60  C.  C. 
30  to  60  C.  C. 
O.Ol  to  0.02  Gm. 
0.03  to  0.10  Gm. 
0.0012  to  0.0025  Gm. 
0.0006  to  0.005  Gm. 
0.30  to  1.30  Gm. 
0.50  to  1  C.  C. 
0.50  to  1.30  Gm. 
0.05  to  0  60  Gm. 
0.05  to  C.30  Gm. 
0.05  to  0.12  Gm. 
0.30  to  1.30  Gm. 
0.30  to  1.00  Gm. 
0.03  to  0.12  Gm. 
0.30  to  2  Gm. 
8  to  15  Gm. 
0.002  to  0.004  Gm. 
1.09  to  3  Gm. 
0.05  to  0.12  Gm. 
0.50  to  6  Gm. 
0.30  to  0.60  Gm. 
0.05  to  0.20  Gm. 
0..50  to  3  Gm. 
0.015  to  0.06  Gm. 
0.20  to  0  40  Gm. 
0.10  to  0.60  Gm. 
0.12  to  0.30  Gm. 

1  to  2  Gm. 
0.03  to  0.12  Gm. 
0.03  to  0.06  Gm. 
1.00  to  4  Gm. 
0.30  to  1.30  Gm. 
0.30  to  0.60  Gm. 
0.50  to  2  Gm. 
0.30  to  0.60  Gm. 
0.50  to  2  Gm. 
0.05  to  0.12  Gm. 
0.50  to  2  Gm. 
0.30  to  1.30  Gm. 
0.30  to  1.30  C.  C. 
0.05  to  0.30  C.  C. 
0.50  to  4  Gm. 

0  05  to  1.30  Gm. 
0.05  to  1.30  Gm. 
0.50  to  2  Gm. 
0.05  to  0.12  Gm. 
0.10  to  0.50  Gm. 
0.10  to  0.60  Gm. 
0.10  to  0.50  Gm. 

0  50  to  1.30  Gm. 
0.50  to  4  Gm. 
0.30  to  1.30  Gm. 
4  to  8  Gm. 

2  to  4  Gm. 
0.50  to  2  Gm. 
4  to  8  Gm. 

8  to  15  Gm. 
0.003  to  0.005  Gm 

1  to  4  C.  C. 


^I> 


^ 


1 


r 


^ 


y 


Remedies. 


Coriandrum 

Creosotnm 

Creta  pntparata 

Croton  chloral  hydr — 

Cubeba 

Cupri  acetas , 

Cupri  sulphas 

Cuprum  ammoniat 

Cnsparia 

Cypripedium 

CypripedJnum 

Decoct,  alotis  corap 

Decoct,  cetrarise 

Decoct  chimaphilaQ  ■ . . 
Decoct,  chinch,  flav. .. 
Decot.  chinch,  mbr ... 
Decoct,  cornus  florid.. 
Decoct,  dulcamarae  ... 

Decoct,  gemii 

Decoct,  granati 

Decoct,  hsematoxyli... 

Decoct,  hordei 

Decoct,  pareirae 

Decoct,  quercus 

Decoct,  sarsap.  comp  . 

Decoct,  senegas   

Decoct,  taraxaci 

Decoct,  ulmi 

Decoct,  uvae  ursi 

Digitalinum 

Digitalis 

Dracontinm 

Elaterium 

Elateria  

Elix.  amon.  valer 

Elix.  calisayae 

Elix.  opii  (McMunn).. 

Emetia 

Ergota 

Ergotinum  

Extr.  aconiti 

Extr.  aloes 

Extr.  antbemidis 

Extr.  arnica! 

Extr.  belladonna>> 

Extr.  bellad.  ale 

Extr.  canuab.  ind 

Extr.  chinchonaj 

Extr.  colch.  acet 

Extr.  coloc.  comp 

Extr.  columbo 

Extr.  conii 

Extr.  conii  ale 

Extr.  digitalis 

Extr.  dulcamarse  

Extr.  fil.  mar.  tether 

Extr.  gentianae 

Extr.  glycyrrh 

Extr.  heematoxyli 

Extr.  hellebori 

Extr.  hyoscyami 

Extr:  hyoscyam.  ale  . 

Extr.  iguatiie  

Extr.jalapie 

Extr.juglandis , 

Extr.  krameriai 

Extr.  lactucie 

Extr.  lupuli 

Extr.  nuc  vom 

Extr.  opii 

Extr.  papaveris 

Extr.  pareirae 

Extr.  physostigmatis 

Extr.  podophyUi 

Extr.  quassias 

Extr.  rhei 

Extr  senegae 

Extr.  stramon.  fol 

Extr.  stramon.  sem  . . 
Extr.  taraxaci 


Dose  expressed  in  terms  of 
apothecaries'  weights  and 
measures. 


20  to  60  gr.. 

1  to   3  min . 
10  to  100  gr. 

1  to    10  gr 


Ito 
ito 
ito 
ito 
10  to 
10  to 
ito 
ito 


to 

to 

to 

to 

to 

to 

to 

to 

to 

to 

to 

to 

2  to 

Ito 

2  to 

4  to 

Ito 


H.  Eep.  14 13 


2gr... 

6gr..., 
10  gr... 

igr... 

40  gr... 
20  gr... 

3gr... 

2fl.oz. 

2  11.  oz . 

6fl.  oz. 

2  d.  oz. 

2fl.  oz. 

2  fi.  oz . 

2fl.oz. 

2fl.  oz. 

2fl.  oz. 

2  fl.  oz 

8  fl.  oz . 

2fl.  oz. 

2  fl.  oz. 

6fl.  oz. 

2fl.oz. 

4fl.  oz. 

6fl.  oz. 

2  fl.  oz. . 

sVtoAgr.... 

ito  2gr.... 

10  to 20  gr.... 

^to  igr.... 

«\j  to  i  gr.... 

1  to  2  fl.  dr  . 

1  to  4  fl.  dr . 

5  to  10  min . . 

ito  igr.... 

20  to 30  gr...- 

Ito  6gr  ... 

Ito  2gr.... 

i  to  3gr... 

2tol0gr... 

3  to  10  gr. . . 

ito  Igr.... 

ito  Igr.... 

ito  Igr.... 

10to30gr... 

1  to  2  gr . . . . 

2  to  5gr  — 
2tol0gr..., 

2  to  4gr... 
Ito  2gr... 
i  to  i  gr . . . 
5tol0gr... 

10to24gr... 
10  to  15 gr... 
30 to 60  gr... 
10to30gr... 
5tol0gr..- 

3  to  8gr... 
1  to  2gr... 
ito  ligr... 
5  to  15  gr. . . 

20  to 30 gr... 

5to20gr... 

5tol0gr... 

5tol0gr... 

ito  Igr... 

ito  Igr... 

2to  5gr ... 
10to20gr... 
T^to  igr... 

5tol5gr... 

3to  5gr... 

3tol0gr... 

Ito  3gr... 

ito  igr 

ito  igr 


Dose  expressed  in  metric 
terms. 


1  to  4  Gm. 
0.05  to  0.20  C.  C. 
0.50  to  6  Gm. 
0.05  to  0.60  Gm. 
4  to  8  Gm. 
0.03  to  0.40  Gm. 
6.03  to  0.60  Gm. 
0.015  to  0.03  Gm. 
0.50  to  3  Gm. 
0.60  to  1.30  Gm. 
0.03  to  0.12  Gm. 
15  to  60  C.  C. 
30  to  60  C.  C. 
100  to  200  C.  C. 
30  to  60  C.  C. 
30  to  60  C.  C. 
30  to  60  C.  C. 
30  to  60  C.  C. 
30  to  60  C.  C. 
30to60C.C. 
•30  to  60  C.  C. 
100  to  250  C.  C. 
30to60C.  C. 
30  to  60  C.  C. 
50  to  200  C.  C. 
30  to  60  C.  C. 
.50  to  125  C.  C. 

100to200C.C. 
30  to  60  C.  C. 
0.001  to  0.002  Gm. 
0.03  to  0.10  Gm. 

0.50  to  1.30  Gm. 

0.004  to  0  03  Gm. 

0.0015  to  0.008  Gm. 

4  to  8  C.  C. 
4  to  15  C.  C. 

0.30  to  0.60  C.  C. 

0.008  to  0  015  Gm. 

1.00  to  2  Gm. 

0.06  to  0.40  Gm. 

0.05  to  0. 15  Gm. 

0.05  to  0.20  Gm. 

0.10  to  0.60  Gm. 

0.20  to  0.60  Gm. 

0  015  t.o  0  06  Gm. 

0.015  to  0.06  Gm. 

0.015  to  0.06  Gm. 

0.50  to  2  Gm. 

0.05  to  0.15  Gm. 

0  10  to  0.35  Gm. 

0.10  to  0  60  Gm. 

0.10  to  1.30  Gm. 

0.05  to  0.15  Gm. 

0.008  to  0.016  Gm. 

0.30  to  0.60  Gm. 

0.50  to  1.50  Gm. 

0.50  to  I  Gm. 

2  to  4  Gm. 

0.50  to  2  Gm. 

0.30  to  0.60  Gm- 

0.20  lo  0.50  Gm. 

0.05  to  0  15  Gm. 

0  03  to  0.10  Gm. 
0.30  to  1  Gm. 

1  to  2  Gni. 

0  30  to  1.30  Gm. 
0.30  to  0.60  Gm. 
0.30  to  0.60  Gm. 
0.02  to  0.06  Gm. 
0.03  to  0.06  Gm. 
0.10  to  0.30  Gm. 
0.50  to  1.50  Gm. 
0.004  to  0  015  Gm. 
0.30  to  1  Gm. 
0.2  •  to  0.30  Gm. 
0.20  to  0.60  Gm. 
0.05  to  0.20  Gm. 
U.015  to  0.030  Gm 
0.015  to  0.03d  Gm 


5tol5gr 1  O.SOtolGm 


194 


METRIC    SYSTEM. 


Poeological  table, — Continned. 


liemedies. 


Dose  expressed  in  terms  of 
apothecaries'  weights  and 
measures. 


Dose  expressed   in   metric 
terms. 


Extr.  va'erianae 10 

Extr.  bellad.  rad.fl 1 

Extr.buchu  fl 20 

Extr.  castaneje  fl 1 

Bxtr.  chimapbihe  fl 20 

Extr.  cbinchona)  fl 10 

Extr.  chirettje  fl , 10 

Extr.  cimicifngse  fl 30 

Extr.cocse  fl 1 

Extr.  colch.  rad.  fl 2 

Extr.  colch.  aem.  fl. 2 

Extr.  columbo  fl 15 

Extr.  conii  fruct  fl i  3 

Extr.  comns  flor.  fl '  15 

Extr.  cnbebaj  fl 10 

Extr.  damiante  fl j  1 

Extr.  digitalis  fl 2 

Extr.  dalcamar^e  fl |  30 

Extr,  ergotae  fl i  15 

Extr.  erig.  can.  fl 30 

Extr.  eucalypt.  glob,  fl 30 

Extr.  jrelsemii  fl. 2 

Extr,  gentianie  fl 10 

Extr.geranii  fl j  30 

Extr.  glycyrrh.  fl i  1 

Extr.  gossypii  rad.  fl i  30 


syp: 
Extr.  grind,  rob.  fl 

Extr.  hydrast.  fl 

Extr.  hyoscyami  fl  . . 

Extr.  ipecac,  fl 

Extr.  jaborandi  fl.... 

Extr.  kramer.  fl 

Extr  leptandne  fl... 

Extr,  lupulin%  fl 

Extr.  matico  fl 

Extr.  parelraj  fl 

Extr.  pmn.  virg.  fl . . . 

Extr.  rhei  fl 

Extr.rubi  fl 

Extr.  sabins  fl 

Extr.  sarsap.  comp,  fl 

Extr.  sarsap.  fl 

Extr.  scillie  fl 

Extr.  scoparii  fl 

Extr,  senegse  fl 

Extr.  senn^e  fl  

Extr.  serpent,  fl 

Extr.  spig.  et  sen.  fl.. 

Extr.  spi^eli*  fl 

Extr,  stillin  g.  fl .....  . 

Extr,  taraxaci  fl 

Extr,  nvse  nrsi  fl . ... 
Extr.  valerianse  fl  . .. 
Extr.  veratr.  vir.  fl  .. 

Extr,  vise.  alb.  fl 

Extr,  yeib.  sant.  fl. .. 

Extr,  zingiber,  fl 

Fel.  bo^in.  pnrif 

Ferri  arsenias 

Ferri  bromid 

Ferri  carb.  sacch .... 

Ferri  chlorid 

Ferri  citras 

Ferri  et  ammon.citr 
Ferri  et  am.  snlph  . . 
Ferri  et  animon.  tart 
Fern  et  potass,  tart. 
Ferri  et  quin.  citr. . . 
Ferri  et  strychn.  citr 
Ferri  ferrocyanidum 

Ferri  iodidum 

Ferri  lactas 

Ferri  oxalas 

Ferri  oxid,  magnet  .- 

Ferri  oxid.  hydr 

Ferri  phosphas 

Ferri  pyrophosphas. 
Ferri  subcarbonas  .., 

Ferri  sulphas 

Ferri  sulphas  exsic . . 


1 

5 

15 

1 

20 
.30 
10 
30 

i 

1 

10 

30 

4 

30 

1 

S 

1 

1 

1 

90 

2 

1 

1 

1 

30 

30 

2 

3 

1 

10 
3 

t^ 
1 

5 
S 
5 
5 
5 
10 
10 
5 
3 
3 
1 
1 
2 
5 
5 
5 
2 
5 
3 


to30gr 

to   2  rain 

to  30  min 

to   3fl.  dr 

to  40  min , 

to  30  min , 

to  30  min 

to  60  min 

to   2fl.dr 

to   5  min 

to   8  min , 

to  30  min 

to   6  min , 

to  40  min 

to  40  min 

to   2fl.dr 

to   6  min , 

to  60  min 

to  30  min 

to  60  min 

min.  to  1  fl.  dr  , 

to   3  min , 

to  40  min 

to  60  min 

to   2fl.dr 

to  60  min...... 

to   4fl.dr 

to   2fl-dr 

to  10  min , 

to  30  min 

to   4fl.dr 

to  30  min 

toKO  min 

to  15  min...... 

to  60  min 

to  2fl.dr 

to   2fl.dr 

to  30  min 

to  60  min , 

to   8  min , 

to  60  min , 

to   2fl.dr...., 

to   3  min 

to   4fl.dr 

to  5  min 

to   4fl.  dr 

to  30  min , 

to   4fl.dr 

to  2fl.dr 

to   2fl.dr.... 

to   2fl.dr 

to  60  min , 

to  60  min , 

to    4  min , 

to   6fl,dr 

to4fl,dr 

to  20  min 

to   6gr 

to   Igr , 

to    5gr 

to20gr 

to  5gr 

tolOgr 

to  10  gr 

to  15gr 

to30gr 

toSOgr , 

to  lOgr , 

to   5gr 

to   5gr 

to   5gr , 

to   5gr 

to  3gr , 

tolOgr 

to30gr , 

tolOgr , 

to   5gr 

to.lOgr 

to   5gr 

to   3gr 


0.50  to  2  Gm. 
0,05  to  0,12  C.  C, 
1  to  2  C.  C. 
4  to  10  C.  C. 
1  to  3  C.  C. 
0.50  to  2  C,  C, 
0.50  to  2  C.  C. 
2to4(;,C, 
4  to  8  C.  C. 
0.10  too  30  C.C. 
0.10  too  50  C,C. 
1  to  2  C.  C. 
0.10  to  0.40  C.C. 

1  to  3  C,  C. 

0  50  to  3  C,  C. 
4  to  8  C.  C, 
0.10  to  0.40  CC. 

2  to  4  C.  C. 

1  to  2  C,  C. 

2  to  4  C.  C. 
2to4C,C. 
0.10  to  0.20  C,  C. 
0.50  to  3  C.C. 

2  to  4  C,  C. 
4  to  8  C.  C. 
2  to  4  C.  C. 
4  to  15  C.  C. 
4  to  8  C.  C. 
0.30  to  0  60  C.  C. 
1  to  2  C.  C. 
4  to  15  C.  C. 

1  to  2  C.  C. 

2  to  4  C.C. 
0,50  to  1  C.  C. 
2  to  4  C.  C. 

2  to  8  C.  C. 
4  to  8  C,  C. 
0,50  to  2  C.  C. 
2  to  4  C.  C. 
0,25  to  0  50  C.  C. 
2  to  4  C,  C. 
4  to  8  C,  C. 
0,10  to  0.20  C.  C. 
4  to  15  C.  C. 
0.05  to  0.30  CC. 
4  to  15  C,  C. 

1  to  2  C,  C. 
8  to  15  C.  C. 
4  to  8  C,  C. 
4  to  8  C.  C. 
4  to  8  C,  C. 

2  to  4  C.  C. 
2  to  4  C,  C. 

0,10  to  0.30  C.C. 
8  to  25  C.  C. 
4  to  15  C.  C. 
0.50  to  1  30  C,  C. 
0.20  to  0.40  Gm. 
0.004  to  0.06  Gm. 
0.05  to  0.30  Gm. 
0.30  to  1.:M  Gm. 
0,10  to  0.30  Gm. 
0.30  to  0.60  Gm. 
0.30  to  0.60  Gm. 
0.30  to  1  Gm. 
0,50  to  2  Gm, 
0.50  to  2  Gm. 
0.30  to  0,60  Gm. 
0.20  to  0.30  Gm. 
0,20  to  0.30  Gm. 
0.05  to  0.20  Gm. 
0,05  to  0.-20  Gm. 
0,10  to  0.20  Gm. 
0.30  to  0,60  Gm. 
0.30  to  2  Gm, 
0.30  to  0,60  Gm. 
0,10  to  0.30  Gm, 
0.30  to  2  Gm. 
0.20  to  0.30  Gm. 
0.03  to  0.20  Gm. 


MEIRIC    SYSTEM. 
Posological  table — Continued. 


195 


Remedies. 


Ferrum  dialysat 

Ferrura  reductum 

Fili.K  mas 

Gallai 

Gamboginm 

Gentiaua 

Geranium 

Gillenia 

Glycerinum 

Glycerit,  acidi  carbol ... 
Glycerit,  acldi  gaUici  . .. 

Glyceiit.  acidi  tann 

Gnidaci  resina 

Guarana 

Hydrai-g.  chlorid.  corros. 
Hydrarg.  chlorid.  mite  .. 

Hydrarg.  iodid.  rubr 

Hydrarg.  iodid  flav 

Hydrarg  oxid.  rubr 

Hydiarg.  sulph.  flav  — 

Hydrarg.  c.  creta 

Hydrastin 

Hyoscyami  f ol 

Iiif  UH,  an  gusturte 

Inf  us.  authemid 

Infus.  aurant 

Inf  US.  aurant  comp 

Infus.  bray erae 

Infus.  biichu 

Infus.  capsici 

Infus.  caryoph  y lli 

Infus.  cascarillie 

Infus.  catechu 

Infus.  chirettJO 

Inf  U.S.  chinch,  flav 

Infus  chinch,  rubr 

Infus.  columbo 

Infus.  coptidis 

Infus  cuspariai 

Infus.  digitalis 

Infus.  dulcamaras 

Infus.  ergotrt^ 

Infus.  enpatorii 

Infus.  f raserse 

Infus.  sent  comp 

Infus.  huuiuli  _ 

Infu.s.  Juniperi 

Infus.  krameriae 

Inf  us.  liui,  comp .. 

Infus.  lupulinae 

Infus.  matico 

Infus,  pareirie 

Infus.  prun.  virg 

Infus.  quassije 

Infus.  rhei - 

Infus  rosa;  comp 

Infus  sabbatiae  

Infus.  salviie 

Infus.  seuegje 

Infus.  sennae 

Infus.  Heuni»  comp 

Infus.  serpent 

Infus.  spigeliai 

Infns.  taraxaci 

Infus.  uvit'  ursi 

Infus.  Valerianae 

Infus.  zingiberis 

lodinium 

Ipecacuanha 

Jaborandi 

/alapa 

Kamala 

Kino 

Koosine 

Krameria 

Leptandra  

Leptandrinum 

Liqu.  ammon.  acet 

Liqu.  arsenici  chlor 


measures.  leuus. 


5  to  30  min . 

1  to  5gr... 

1  to  3dr... 

10  to  20  gr. . 

1  to   4gr... 

10  to 40 gr... 

10  to 20 gr... 

20to:Wgr... 

10  to  60  min  . 

5  to  10  min  . 

20  to  60  min  . 

10  to  40  min 

10  to 30 gr... 

10  to 20 gr... 

TB  to   |gr... 

ito  8gr... 

igr  .. 

3gr... 

Igr  .. 

Igr... 

8gr... 

5gr  .. 


TB  to 
Ito 
ito 
ito 
3to 
3to 


5  tolOgr 
Ito  2fl. 


Ito 
Ito 
1  to 
6to 
Ito 
Ito 
Ito 
Ito 
Ito 


oz 

oz. 

oz 

oz. 

oz. 

oz. 

oz. 

oz. 


3fl 

2fl. 

2fl. 

8fl. 

2fl, 

2fl, 

2fl, 

2fl.  oz. 

2fl.  oz. 

2tt. 

2fl, 

2fl, 

2fl. 

2fl. 

2fl. 

4fl, 

2fl, 

2fl. 

2fl. 

2fl, 

2fl. 

2fl, 

3fl, 

2fl. 

8fl, 

2fl 

2fl. 

2fl, 

3fl, 

2fl, 

2fl. 

2fl, 

2fl. 

2fl, 

2fl. 

3fl, 

2fl, 

2fl. 

8fl, 

2fl. 

2fl, 

2fl.  oz 

2fl,  oz 

igr 

Expect.,  Jto2gr.., 
Emet,  15  to  30  gr. . 

30  to  60  gr 

10  to  30  gr 

Ito  2dr 

10  to  30  gr 

5  tolSgr 

20  to  60  gr , 

20  to  60  gr 

2to   3gr 
2to  6fl, 


to 
to 
to 
to 
to 
to 
2to 
Ito 
Ito 
Ito 
Ito 
Ito 
Ito 
2to 
Ito 
2to 
Ito 
Ito 
Ito 
2to 


to 

to 

to 

to 

to 

to 

to 

Ito 

Ito 

4to 

Ito 

1  to 

Ito 

Ito 

ito 


oz. 

oz 

oz 

oz 

oz. 

oz. 

dr 

oz. 

oz. 

oz. 

oz. 

oz. 

oz. 

oz. 

oz. 

oz 

oz. 

oz. 

oz. 

oz. 

oz. 

oz. 

oz. 

oz. 

oz. 

oz. 

oz. 

oz. 

oz. 

oz. 

oz. 

oz. 


dr. 


2 to  8 min. 


0.30  to  2  C,  C. 
0.05  to  0.30  Gm. 
4  to  10  Gm 
0.50  to  1.30  Gm. 
0.05  to  0.25  Gm. 
0.50  to  3  Gm, 
0.50  to  1.30  Gm. 
1.20  to  2  Gm 
0.50  to  4  C.  C. 
0.30  to  0  60  C.  C. 
1  to  4  C.  C. 
0.50  to  3  C.  C, 
0.50  to  2  Gm. 
0,50  to  1.30  Gm. 
0,004  to  0.01  Gm. 
0.03  to  0,50  Gm, 
0.004  to  0  015  Gm. 
0.05  to  0.20  Gm. 
0.015  to  0.06  Gm. 
0.015  to  0.06  Gm. 
0.20  to  0.30  Gm, 
0,20  to  0.30  Gm. 
0..30  to  0.60  Gm. 
30  to  60  C,  C. 
30  to  100  C,  C. 
30  to  60  C.  C, 
30  to  60  C.  C. 
200  to  250  C.  C. 
30  to  60  C,  C, 
30  to  60  C,  C. 
30  to  60  C,  C, 
30  to  60  C.  C, 
30  to  fiO  C,  C, 
30  to  60  C.  C. 
30  to  60  C.  C. 
30  to  60  C.  C. 
30  to  60  C.C. 
30  to  60  C.  C. 
30  to  60  C,  C. 
8  to  15  C,  C. 
30  to  60  C,  C. 
30  to  60  C,  C. 
30  to  60  C.  C. 
30  to  60  C.  C. 
30  to  60  C,  C. 
30  to  60  C.C. 
50  to  100  C.  C. 
30  to  rtO  C.  C. 
50  to  250  C,  C. 
30  to  60  C,  C, 
30  to  60  C,  C. 
30  to  60  C,  C, 
50  to  100  C.  C. 
30  to  60  C.  C. 
30  to  60  C,  C, 
30  to  60  C.  C. 
30  to  60  C,  C, 
30  to  60  C.  C. 
30  to  60  C.C. 
.30  to  60  C,  C. 
30  to  60  C  C. 
.30  to  60  C,  C. 
100  to  250  C,  C. 
30  to  60  C,  C, 
30  to  60  CC. 
30  to  60  C  C 
30  to  60  C  C 
0,015  to  0.03  Gm, 
0.03  to  0.13  Gm. 

1  to  2  Gm, 

2  to  4  Gm, 
0.50  to  2  Gm. 
4  to  8  Gm, 
0.50  to  2  Gm, 
0.30  to  1  Gm 
1.20  to  4  Gm. 
1.20  to  4  Gm. 
0.12  to  0.20  Gm. 
8  to  25  C.  C 
0.10  to  0.50  C  C 


196 


METKIU    SYSTEM. 


METRIC   SYSTEM. 


197 


Posological  table — CoDtiuaed. 


Posohgical  tahk — Continued. 


Remedies. 


Dose  rx])ressed  in  terms  of 
apothecaries'  wei|;ht8  and 
measures. 


Mist. 

Mist 

MiMt. 

Mist 

Mist 


Liqa.  ai-s.  et  hydr.  iod 

Liqu.  bism.  am.  citr. 

Liqu.  calcis 

Liqu.  feiri  chloridi 

Liqu.  feni  citrat 

Liqu.  fen-i  nitrat ... 

Liqa.  feiri  Mubsalph 

Liqu.  iodinii  comp 

Liqu.  magnes.  citr 

Liqu.  morphiae  acet      

Liqn.  moi'ph.  8nlph.,U.  S.  P — 
Liqu.  morph.  snlpb.  (Mag.).... 

Liqu.  potassie 

Ifiqa.  putassii  arseait  

Liqn.  potassii  citrat 

Liqa.  smlie 

Liqu.  sodii  arseniat 

Litbii  carb  

Litbii  citras 

Lobelia'  semen 

Lapalina ■ 

McMunn'selix.  opium. 

^Magnesia  

Magnesii  carb 

Magnesii  snlpb 

"Mangan.  solph 

Manna 

Mist,  ammoniaci 

Mist,  amygdalae. 

Mist.  as8ief(f  tidie 

Mist,  cblorof onni  

creosoti 

cretfie  

ferri  comp. 

glycytrb.  comp    

giiaiaci 

!Mist.  potass,  citr 

Mist  scammoui....... ........ 

Mist,  senna;  comp 

Morphia .. .................... 

Morphia;  acetas............... 

Morpbiif  chlorid.... 

Morpliiit'  meconas.. ........... 

Morphirt'  sulpb 

Morpbi;('  valer 

M«scbus 

Mucilago  acacisB..... 

Muciiago  ulmi 

Myli^*tica .......-- 

Myrrba 

]Narceia 

Xux  vomica  .----^ 

Oleoresina  capsici ....... 

Oleoresina  cnbebie — . 

Oleoresina  tilieis 

Oleore.^ina  Inpnlinu' 

Oleoresiua  pi  peris 

Oleoresina  ziugiberis 

Ol.  am.  amar  

4}].  amygd.  expr 

'Ol.auethi 

•3Laiiisi 

fOl.ABthemid 

•0l.«a}apati 

OLeaai 

Ol.caryophylli 

OI.  cfceoopodii 

Ol.  cuiiuuuomi 

Ol.copaib*  

OLcoriandri 

Ol.cubebae 

OL  erigeront  can 

Ol.  eucalypt.  glob 

Ol.  filic.  mar...... .•...••".. 

Ol.  fceniculi --.. 

Ol.  gaaltberiae 

Ol.  kedeotnae - 

Ol.juniperi  • 

Ol-  UvendalsB 


5  to  20  min . . 

1  to    2  li.  «lr. 

^  to    2  fl.  oz 
10  to  JO  miu  . 

5  to  20  Diio   . 
30  to  m  min  . 

5  tu  15  min   . 

1  to  4  mm  . 
6tol2fl.  oz. 

10  to  :w  min  . 
10  to  30  min  . 

4  to   8  min . . 
15  to  CO  min.. 

2  to    r<  min  . 

2  to    4fl.  dr. 
30  to  60  min  . 

3  to  8  min.. 
3  to    6  gr... 

5  to  10  gr. .. 
2  to  lOgr ... 
5tol0  gr  .. 
5  to  10  min.. 

10  to  20  gr... 
10  to  :i0  gr . . . 

2  to   6dr... 

5  to  20  gr  . . . 

2  to    8  dr.. 


Id 
2fl 
4 


*to 
Ito 
2  to 
ito 
ito 
Ito 
Ito 
2  to 
ito 
2  to 
J  to 
1  to 
,'ato 
ito 
ito 
i  to 
it«) 
ito 
5  to  lu 
1  to 


oz. 

oz 
fl.  oz. 
d.  oz 
fl.  oz. 
11.  oz. 
tl.  oz. 


dr. 
oz. 
dr. 
oz. 
oz. 


fl. 
fl. 
fl. 
fl. 

2fl. 

igr... 

igr... 

igr... 

igr... 

igr... 

|gr... 

ugr... 

4  ft.  dr. 


2  to  8fl.  dr. 
20  to30gr  ... 
10  to  30  gr  . . . 

ito  Igr... 

1  to  3gr  ... 
i  to  1  gr  . . . 
5to30gr  ... 

20  to  30  gr  ... 

2  to  5gr... 
Ito 

1  to 
4  to 

2  to 

1  to 
Ito 

2  to 
Ito 
2  to 
Ito 
2to 
Ito 


Dose   expressed  in   metric 
terms. 


. 


2gr.. 

2gr.. 

imin. 

4  fl.  dr 

4  min. 

4  min........ 

4  min 

5min 

4min 

4  min 

5min 

4  min 

S  to  30  min 

Ito   4min 

5  to  20  min 

3  to   8  min 

Expect,  5  to  15  min 

Anti-periodic,  30  min.  to  1  fl.  dr. 
SO  to  30  min 


Ito 
Ito 
Ito 
Ito 
Ito 


4  min. 
4  min. 
4  min. 
4  min. 
4min. 


0.30tol30C.C. 
4  to  8  C.  C. 
15  to  60  C.  C. 
0.50  to  2  C.  C. 
0.30  to  1.30  0.  C. 
2to4C.C. 
0.30  to  1  Gm. 
0.05  to  0.25  C.  C. 
150  to  :i5ii  C.  C. 
0.50  to  2  C.  C. 
0.50  to  2  U.  C. 
0.30  to  O.iO  C.  C. 

1  to4C.C. 
O.lOtoOSOC.C. 
8  to  15  C.  C. 

2  to  4  C.  C. 
0.10  to  0.50  C.C. 
0.20  to  0.40  6m. 
0.30  to  O.bO  Gm. 
0.10  to  0.60  Gm. 
0.:iO  to  0.60  Gm. 
0  25  to  0.60  C.  C. 
0.50  to  1  20  Gm. 
0.50  to  2  Gm. 
8to25Gm. 
0.30  to  1.30  Gm. 
8  to  30  Gm. 

15  to  30  C.  C. 
30  to  60  C.  U. 
50  to  150  C.  C. 
15  to  .30  C.  C. 
30  to  HO  C.  C. 
30  to  60  C.  C. 
30  to  60  C.  C. 
8  ta  15  C.C. 
15  to  30  C.C. 
8  to  15  C.  C. 
15  to  60  C.  C. 
30  to  60  C.  C. 
0.005  to  0.03  Gm. 
0.008  to  0.03  Gm. 
0  008  to  0.03  Gm. 
0.008  to  0  05  Gm. 

0  008  to  0.03  Gm. 
0.008  to  0.05  Gm. 
0.30  to  0.60  Gm. 
4to8«;.C. 

8  to  15  C.  C. 
1.20  to  2  Gm. 
0.50  to  2  Gm. 
0.03  to  0.06  Gm. 
0.05  to  0.20  Gm. 
U.03  to  0.06  Gm. 
0.30  to  2  Gm. 

1  to  2  Gm. 

0.10  to  0.30  Gm. 
0.05  to  0.10  Gm. 
0  03  to  0.10  Gm. 
0  015  to  0.030  C.  C. 
8  to  15  C.  C. 
0.05  to  0.25  C.  C. 
0.05  to  0.25  C.  C. 
0.10  to  0.25  C.  C. 
0.05  to  0.30  G.  C. 
0.10  to  0.25  C.  C. 
0.05  to  0.25  C.  C. 
0.10  to  0.30  C.  C. 
0.05  to  0.25  C.  C. 
0.30  to  2  C.  C. 
0.05  to  0.25  C.  C. 
0.30tol..30C.C. 
0.20  to  0.50  C.  C. 
0.30  to  1  C.C. 

2  to  4  C.  C. 
1.20  to  2  C.  C. 
0.05  to  0.25  C.  C. 
0.05  to  0.25  C.  C. 
0  05  to  0.25  C.C. 
0.05  to  0.25  C.C. 
0.05  to  0.25  C.  C. 


^ 


y 


■< 


r 


Eemedies. 


OLlimonis 

OLmeutii.  pip. 
OL  month,  vir . 
01 
O 

a 
o 
o 
o 
o 
o; 
o 
o 
o 
o 
o 
o 

01 

o 


monardae 

morrhua; 

myristicie 

olivse 

origani  

pbosphorat    

pimenta; 

succini  rectif  ..... 

ricini 

rosmarini 

rutae 

sabina> 

sassafras  

terebinth 

tiglii    

valenanae 

Opium .' 

Pareira 

Pepsina 

Phosphorus 

Physostigraa;  faba   . . 

Pilula*  aloes 

PiL  aloes  et  assa;f  (et 

Pil.  aloes  et  ferri 

Pil.  aloes  et  mast 

Pil.  aloes  et  myrhje    . 

Pil.  antim  comp 

Pil.  assaifojtida; 

Pil.  cat  hart,  comp     . . 
Pil.  col.  et  hyoscyami 

Pil.  conii  coiup 

PiL  copaibae    

Pil.  ferri  carbonat  . . . 

Pil.  ferri  comp  ... 

PiL  ferri  iodini 

Pil.  galbani  comp 

Pil.  hydrarg 

PiL  hyd.  subchlor.  co . 
Pil.  ipecac,  c.  scilla  . . . 

Pil.  opii 

Pil.  opii  et  camp   

Pil.  phosphori 

Pil  plumbi  c.  opio 

PiLquiniai  sulph 

PiLrhei  


PiL  rhei  comp  

Pil.  sapoii.  comp 

PiL  scammon.  comp  . . . 

PiL  scilla'  comp 

Pilocarpinum 

Pimenta 

Piper 

Piperiuura 

Pix  liquida    

Plumbi  acetas 

Podophyllum 

Potassi  acetas 

Potass,  bicarb 

Potass,  hi  tartr 

PotasH.  broniid 

Potass,  carb  

Potass,  chloras 

Potass,  citras 

Potass,  cyaiiid 

Potass,  et  .soil.  tartr  . . . 

Pota.s8.  iodid 

Potass,  uitras 

Potass,  sulphas 

Potass,  sulphis 

Potass,  sulphuret 

Potass,  tartras 

Potassii  peimanganas. 

Propy  lamina 

Pulv.  aloes  er  cauellae. 
Pnlv.  amygd,  comp  . .. 
Pulv.antimonialis 


Dose  expressed  in  terms  of 
apothecaries'  weights  and 
measures. 


I  to 
Ito 
1  to 
1  to 

1  to 

2  to 
ito 
Ito 


2to 
2  to 
Ito 
Ito 


0.05  to  0.25  C.  C. 
0.05  to  0.25  C.  C. 
0.05  to  0.25  C.  C. 
0.05  to  0.25  C.  C. 
4  to  15  C.C. 
0.10  to  0.40  C.  C. 
15  to  30  C.C. 
0.05  to  0.25  C.  C. 
0.30  to  0.60  C.C. 
0.05  to  0.20  C.  C. 
0.30tolC  C. 
4  to  30  C.  C. 
0.10  to  0.30  C.  C. 
0.10  to  0.40  C.  C. 
0.05  to  0  25  C.  C. 
0.05  to  0.25  C.  C. 
0.50  to  2  C.  C. 
0.02  to  0.06  C.  C. 
0  05  to  0  20  C.C. 
0.03  to  0.10  Gm. 
2to4Gm. 
0.10  to  0..=iO  Gm. 
0.001  too 00-2  Gm. 
0.05  to  0.25  Gm. 
0.25  to  0.5  I  Gm, 
0.30  to  0.60  Gm. 
0.30  to  0.60  Gm. 

0  30  to  0.60  Gm. 
0.30  to  0.60  Gm. 
0.20  to  0.40  Gm. 
0.30  to  0.60  Gm. 
0.30  to  0.6U  Giu. 
0.30  to  0.60  Gm. 
0.30  to  0.60  Gm, 

1  to  4  Gm. 
0.30  to  1.30  Gm. 
0.30  to  I  Gm. 
0  20  to  0..i0  Gm. 
0.30  to  0  60  Gm. 
0.20  to  0.60  Gm. 
0.30  to  0  60  Gm. 
0.30  to  0.60  Gm. 
0  03to0  10Gm. 
0.10  to  0.20  Gm. 
0.002  to  0.004  Gm. 
0.10  to  0.25  Gm. 
0.10  to  0.60  Gm, 
1,50  to  3  Gm. 
0.40  to  0.75  Gm, 
0.50  to  1.30  Gm, 
0.30  to  0.60  Gm. 
0.50  to  2  Gm. 
0  30  to  0.60  Gm, 

0  008  too  016  Gm. 
0.50  to  2  Gm. 
0.30  to  1.30  Gm. 
0.05  to  0.50  Gm. 

1  to  4  C.  C. 
0.10  to  0.50  Gm. 
0.50  to  1.30  Gm. 
0.50  to  1.30  Gm. 

10  to  20  gr I  0.50  to  1  W  Gm. 


4  min., 
4  min.. 
4  min.. 
4  min.. 
4fl.dr.. 
6  min . . 
1  fl.  oz 

4  mm.. 
5  to  10  min., 

1  to  3  min., 
5  to  15  miu.. 
Ito   8fl.  dr 

5  min . . 

6  min.. 
4  min.. 
4  min.. 

10  to  .30  min . . 

ito    1  miu.. 

Ito   3  min.. 

ito    2gr... 
30  to  60  gr  . . . 

2  to    8  gr  . . , 

j^jtOjVgr.-. 
Ito   4  gr  - . . 

4  to    8  gr  . . . 

5  to  10  gr  ... 
5  to  lOgr  .. 
5  to  lOgr  .. 
5  to  10  gr  . . . 

3  to  6  gr  . . . 
5  to  10  gr  . . . 
5  to  10  gr  . . . 
5  to  lOgr  ... 
5  to  10  gr  ... 

15  to  60  gr  . . . 
6to20gr  ... 
5  to  15gr  ... 


3  to    8gr 

5to  10  gr 

5tolOgr 

5to  lOgr 

5tol0gr , 

lito   2gr 

li  to    3gr 

a^rtOyVgi- ■ 

2  to    4  gr , 

2tolOgr 

Purgative.  25  to  40  gr 
Laxative,  6  to  12  gr    . 

10  to  20  gr 

5  to  10  gr 

10  to  30  gr 

5  to  10  gr , 

ito    i  ST , 

10  to  30  gr 

5  to20gr , 

1  to    8  gr 

20  to60gi , 

2  to    8  gi- 

10  to2rt  gr 

10  to  20  gr 


Dose  expressed   in   metric 
terms. 


i  to    4  dr 

20  to  60  gr 

5  to  15  gr 

10  to  20  gr 

20  to  60  gr 

12  to    i  gr 

3  to    8  gr 

2  to  10  ur 

5  to  20  gr  , 

10  to  -20  gr 

10  to  2:t  gr 

2  to  10  gr 

i  to    4  gr , 

i  to    .i  gr 

7  to  15  gr 

10  to  20  er 

Ito   2dr 

2to   6gr 


2  to  15  Gm 
1  to  4  Gm. 
0.:J0  to  1  Gm. 
0.50  to  1.30  Gm. 

1  to5Gm. 

0.005  to  0.008  Gm. 
10  to  30  Gm. 
O.lOtoOOOGm. 
0.30  to  1.30  Gm. 
0.50  to  1.30  Gra. 
0.50  to  1.30  (rm. 
0.10  to  0  60  Gm. 

2  to  15  Gm. 

0.  08to0  03(;m. 
0.50  to  I  Gm. 
0.50  to  1.30  Gm. 
4  to  8  Gm 
0.10  to  0,40  Gm. 


198 


METRIC   SYSTEM. 


HETKIC   SYSTEM. 


lt»9 


Posohgical  table — Continaed. 


Posological  table— CoutinvLed.. 


Kemedies. 


Dose  expressed  in  terms  of 
apothecaries'  weigkts  and 
measures. 


Palv.  aromaticus 

Pulv.  catechu  comp — 
Pair,  ciniiam.  comp  ... 

Pnlv.  cretib  arom 

Pulv.  cret.  arora.  c.  op 

Pulv.  ipecac,  comp 

Pulv.  lalapa;  comp 

Pulv.  Kino,  comp 

Pnlv.  opii  comp  

Pulv.  rhei  coiup 

Pulv.  scam niou. comp. 

Pnlv.  tragac.  comp 

Qnercus 

Qoinia 

^uinia'  ansenias 

Qniniu'  bromid 

QuiniiL'  siilph 

^uinia;  valer 

Kesiuajalapae 

Kesina  podophylli 

Kesina  scammonii 

Kheum 

Sabadilla 

<Sabina 

Salicinum  

Sauj^uinaria 

Santouica 

Sautouinum 

Sapo 

Scammonium    

Scilla 

Scoparius 

Sene<;a 

Senna 

Serpentaria 

Sodii  acetas 

Sodii  arsenias . 

Sodii  biboras 

Sodii  bicarb 

Sodii  bisulphis 

Sodii  carbonas 

Sodii  carb.  exsicc 

Sodii  chloras 

Sodii  hypophospbis ... 

Sodii  hyposulpnis 

Sodii  iodid. 

Sodii  pbosphas 

Sodii  sulpnis 

So<lii  snlphuret 

Spir.  attberis  comp.... 
Spir.  setheris  nitros. . . . 

Spir.  ammon  — 

Spir.  ammon.  arom .... 
Spir.  ammon.  ftetid.... 
Spir.  armorac.  comp. . . 

Spir.  anisi 

Spir.  cajuputi 

Spir.  camphoric 

Spir.  cblorof  ormi ...... 

Spir.  cinoamomi  ...... 

Spir.juniperi 

Spir.  inniperi  comp 

Spir.  lavendulie 

Spir.  la  vend,  comp  .... 

Spir.  limonis 

Spir.  uienth.pip 

Spir.  ineutb.  vir 

Spir.  myristicai 

Spir.  rosroarini 

Stram.  tol 

Stram.  sem 

Strychnia 

Strychnise  acet 

Strychnije  nitr 

Strychnia^  sulph 

Succus  conii 

Suc'cu.s  limnui8 , 

Succus  taraxaci 

Sulphur  pra?cipit 

Sulph  subl  


3tol0gr. 
15  to  50  gr. 

StolOgr. 
30  to  60  gr. 
10  to 40  gr. 

StolOgr. 
10  to20gr. 

3  to  8gr. 

3  to   5gr. 
30tofi0gr. 
10  to  20  gr 
10  to  60  gr. 

^to  2  dr. 


Dose   expressed   by  metric 
terms. 


to 
to 
to 
to 
to 
2  to 
ito 
4  to 


5gr. 
2gr. 
5gr. 
5gr. 
5gr. 
5gr. 

8gr. 


1  to30gr 

4  to  6gr.... 

4  to  6gr 

10  to 30  gr.... 

10  to  20  gr 

10  to60gr 

2to  6gr 

5  tolSgr 

4tol0gr.... 

1  to  2gr.... 

20to60gr 

15  to  20  gr 

10  to  30  gr 

10tol5g».... 
aOtottOgr.... 
i\ito  igr.... 
10  to .30 gr.... 

10  to  .30  gr 

10  to  20  gr 

10  to:M)gr.... 

5to20gr 

5to30gr 

10  to  30  gr 

15  to  30  gr.... 
StolOgr 

2  to  »gr.... 
10  to3"gr — 

ito  Igr.... 
30  toOOmin.. 

J  to  2fl.  dr. 
iuto30min.. 
20to60miu.. 
30to60mio.. 

1  to  3  11  dr. 
30to6Umin  . 
30to60min.. 
10  to30min.. 
20  toOOmin.. 
30  to60min.. 
30  totiUmin.. 
30  to60min.. 
30  to  ♦iO  rain . . 
30  to  60  niin . . 
30  to 60  min.. 
30to60min.. 
30  to 60  min.. 
:K)  to 60  min.. 
10  to 30  min.. 

2to  3gi- 

1  to  2gr 

s'jtoi^agr.... 
8>jto,>5gr.... 
Ato,\fgr.-. 
b'^  toAgr.... 
30  to  6U  min . . 

^  to  4  11.  oz. 

2  to  4  fl.  dr. 
^to  2  dr.... 
ito  4  dr.... 


0.20  to  0.60  Gm. 

1  to  2  Gm. 
0.20  to  0.60  Gm. 

2  to  4  Gm. 
0.50  to  2.50  Gm. 
2.30  to  0.60  Gm. 
0.50  to  1.30  Gm. 
0.20  to  0.50  Gm. 
0.10  to  0.30  Gm. 
2  to  4  Gm. 
0.50  to  1.30  Gm. 
0.50  to  4  Gm. 
2to8Gm. 
0.05  to  0.30  Gm. 
0.05  too.  12  Gm. 
0.05  to  0.30  Gm. 
0.05  to  0.30  Gm. 
0.o5  to  0.30  Gm. 
0.10  to  0.30  Gm. 
0.01  to  0.03  Gm. 
0.25  to  0.50  Gm.  • 
0,05  to  2  Gm. 
0.25  to  0.40  Gm. 
0  25  to  9.40  Gm. 
0.50  to  2  Gm. 
0.50  to  1.30  Gm. 
0.50  to  4  Gm. 
0.10  to  0.40  Gm. 

0  30  to  1  Gm. 
0.25  to  0.60  Gm. 
0.05  to  0.10  Gm. 
1.20  to  4  Gm. 

1  to  1.30  Gm. 
0.50  to  2  Gm. 
0.50  to  1  Gm. 
lto4Gm. 

0.004  to  0.008  Gm. 
0.50  to  2  Gm. 
0.50  to  2  Gm. 
0.50  to  1.30  Gm. 
0.50  to  2  Gm. 
0.30  to  1.30  Gm. 
0.30  to  2  Gm. 
0.50  to  2  Gm. 

1  to  2  Gm. 
0.30  to  0.60  Gm. 
0.10  to  0.50  Gm. 
0.50  to  2  Gm. 
0.016  to  0.06  Gm. 

2  to  4  C.  C. 
2  to  8  C.  C. 
0.50to2C.C. 

1  to  4  C.  C. 

2  to  4  C.  C. 
4  to  12  C.  C. 
2  to  4  C.  C. 
2  to  4  C.  C. 
0.50  to  2  C.  C. 

1  to  4  C.  C. 
2to4C.C. 

2  to  4  C.  C. 
2  to  4  C.  C. 
2  to  4  C.  C. 
2  to  4  C.  C. 
2  to  4  C.  C. 
2  to  4  C.  C. 
2  to  4  (J.  C. 
2  to  4  C.  C. 
0.50  to  2  C.  C. 
1.10  to  0.20  Gm. 
0.05  to  0.12  Gm. 
O.OOI  to  0.005  Gm. 
0  001  to  0.005  Gm. 
0.001  to  0.005  Gm. 
0.001  to  0.005  Gm. 
2  to  4  C,  C. 

2  to  15  C.  C. 
8tol5C.C. 
2  to  8  Gm. 
2  to  15  Gm. 


/ 


Remedies. 


Sulph.  subl.  lot 

Syr.  acaciae 

Sjrr.  acid,  citr 

Syr.  allii 

Syr,  althcese 

Syr,  amygd   

Syr.  aurant.  cort 

Syr.  aurant.  flor 

Syr.  f erri  bromidi 

Syr.  ferri  iodidi 

Syr.  hemidesmi 

Syr.  hypophosphit 

Syr.  ipecacuanha} ? 

Syr.  krameriae 

Syr.  lactucarii 

Syr.  limonis 

Syr.  mori  

Syr.  papaveris 

Syr.  phospbat.  comp 

Syr.  pinin.  virg  

Syr.  rhamni  

Syr.  rhei 

Syr.  rhei  arom  

Syr.  rhoeados 

Syr.  roaa? 

Syr.  rubi 

Syr.  sarsap.  comp 

Syr.  scillai 

Syr.  scillie  comp  

Syr.  senegae 

Syr.  sennse 

Syr.  tolut 

Syr,  zingib 

Tamar  ind 

Theia  

Tinct.  aconiti  fol  

Tinct.  aconiti  rad  

Tinct.  aeon.  rad.  f  lem 

Tinct.  aloes 

Tinct.  aloes  et  myrr 

Tinct.  arnicae 

Tinct.  assafietidae 

Tinct.  aurantii  ..  

Tinct.  bellad  

Tinct.  benz.  comp  

Tinct.  buchu     

Tinct.  cannab.  ind 

Tinct.  canthar. 

Tinct.  capsici 

Tinct.  card 

Tinct.  card,  comp  

Tinct.  cascarillae. 

Tinct.  castorei 

Tinct.  catechu 

Tinct.  chinch • 

Tinct.  chinch,  comp 

Tinct.  chirett  a; 

Tinct.  cimicifuga;  

Tinct.  cinnam  

Tinct.  cocci 

Tinct.  colchici  rad 

Tinct.  colchici  sem 

Tinct.  conii  

Tinct.  coptidis 

Tinct,  croci 

Tinct.  cubeba' 

Tinct.  d.imianiv 

Tinct  digitalis 

Tinct.  ei'gotje 

Tinct.  feiTi  acet • 

Tinct,  feiTi  chlorid 

Tinct.  galht 

Tinct.  gelsemii 

Tinct.  gent,  comp 

Tinct.  guataci 

Tinct.  guaiaci  am 

Tinct.  hellebori .^ 

Tinct.  humuli 

Tinct.  hyoscyami  fol 


Dose  expressed  in  terms  of 
apothecaries'  weights  and 
measures. 


Dose  expressed  in   metric 
terms. 


^to 
1  to 
1  to 


to 

to 

to 

to 

to 

20  to  60 

•20  to  60 

1  to    4 

1  to    2 

Emet,  4 

Expect., 


dr.. 

fl.  dr. 
fl.  dr. 
fl.  dr. 
fl.  dr. 
fl.  dr. 
fl.  dr. 
fl.  dr 


ito 
2to 
Ito 


to 

to 

to 

to 

to 

to 

fo 

to 

to 

1  to 

Ito 

ito 


mm 

min 

fl.  dr 

tl.  dr 

to8fl.  dr.. 
*  to  I  fl.  dr. 

fl.  dr. 

fl.  dr 

fl.  dr 

fl.  dr 

fl.  dr 

fl.dr 

fl.  dr 

fl.dr 

fl.dr 

fl.dr  

ti  dr 

fl.dr. 

fl  dr  

fl  dr     .   .. 
fl.dr 


10  to  60  min  . 
fl.dr. 
fl.  dr. 
fl.  dr. 
fl.dr. 
dr  ... 


1 
1 
1 
1 
1 
1 


to 
to 
to 
to 
to 
to 

10  to  20 
5  to  15 
2  to  3 
Ito  2 
Ito  2 
Ito   2 

30  to  60 
Ito  2 
5to20 

30  min. 
Ito  2 
5to20 
5  to  20 

10  to  20 
Jto  2 
ito 
Jto 
ito 
ito 
ito 
ito 
ito 

30  min. 
ito   2 

30  to  90 
5  to  20 

15  to  30 
ito    1 

30  min. 
ito  1 
Ito  2 
Ito    3 

10  to  30 

15  to  6J 
5  to  30 

10  to  30 
ito  2 
2  to  15 
Ito  2 
ito  1 
ito  1 
ito  1 
Ito    3 

15  to  60 


gi-... 
mm  . 
min.. 
min  . 
ft.  dr 
fl.  dr 
fl.  dr 
min.. 
fl.  dr. 


mm  .  .. 
to2fl.  dr. 
fl.dr  .... 
luin 


mm  

min 

fl.dr  .... 

fl.dr 

fl.dr 

fl.dr  .... 

fl.dr 

fl.dr 

fl  dr 

fl.  dr 

to  1  fl.  dr. 

fl.dr 

min 

miu 


min 

fl.dr 

to  1  fl.  dr. 

fl.dr 

fl.dr 

fl.dr 

min 

miu 

miu 

min 

fl.dr  .... 

min 

fl.dr 

fl.  dr 

fl.dr 

fl.dr 

fl.dr  .... 
min 


2  to  15  Gm. 
4to8C.  C. 
4  to  15  C.  C. 
4  to  15  C.  C. 
4  to  8  C.  C. 
4  to  15  C.  C. 
4to8C.  C. 
4to8C.  C. 

1  to  4  C.  C. 
lto4C.  C. 
4  to  15  C.  C. 
4  to  8  C.  C. 
15  to  30  C.  C. 

2  to  4  C.  C. 
2  to  15  C.  C. 
8  to  12  C.  C. 
4  to  8  C.  C. 
4  to  8  C.  C. 
4  to  8  C.  C. 
4to8C.  C. 
4  to  15  C,  C. 
4to8C.  C. 
4  to  1.1  C.  C. 

4 14.  ••c. «;. 
4U>S  c.  c. 
4  to  8  C.  C. 
4  to  8  C.  C. 
4  to  15  C.  C. 
2to4C.C. 
0.50  to  4  C.  C. 
4  to  8  C.  C. 
4  to  8  C.  C. 
4  to  8  C.  C. 
4  to  15  C.  C. 
4  to  8  Gm. 
0.05  to  0.12  Gm. 
0.50  to  1.30  C.  C. 

0  30  to  1  C.  C. 
0.10  to  O.-JO  C.  C. 
4  to  8  C.  C. 

4  to  e  C.  C. 
4  to  8  C.  C. 
2  to  4  C.  C. 
4  to  8  C.  C. 
0.30  to  1.30  C.  C, 
2to8C.  C. 
4  to  8  C.  C. 
0.30  to  1.30  C.  C. 
0.30  to  1.30  C.  C. 
0.50  to  1.30  C.  C. 
2  to  8  C.  C. 
2to8C.  C. 
2  to  8  C.  C. 
2to8C.C. 
2  to  8  C.  C. 
2  to  8  C.  C. 
2  to  8  C.  C. 
2  to  4  C.  C. 
2  to  4  C.  C. 
2  to  8  C.  C. 
2  to  6  C.  C. 
0.30  to  1.30  C.  C. 

1  to  2  C.  C. 

2  to  4  C.  C. 
2to4C.C. 
2  to  4  C.  C. 
4  to  8  C.  C. 
4  to  10  C.  C. 
0.50  to  2  C.  C. 

1  to  4  C.  C. 

0  30to2C.  C. 
0.50  to  2  C.  C. 

2  to  8  C.  C. 
0.10  to  ICC. 
4to8C.  C. 

2  to  4  C.  C. 
2  to  4  C.  C. 
2  to  4  C.  C. 
4  to  12  C.  C. 

1  to  4  C.  C. 


200 


METRIC    SYSTEM. 


METRIC    SYSTEM. 


201 


Posological  table — Coatinaed. 


Remedies. 


Tinct.  hyosc.  sem 

Tinct.  iodinii 

Tiuct.  iodioii  comp 

Tinct.  jalapie 

Tinct.  kino 

Tinct.  krameriiB 

Tinct.  lobelisB 

Tinct.  Inpulinae , 

Tinct.  myirhae 

Tinct.  nac.  vom 

Tinct.  opii 

Tinct.  opii  acet 

Tinct.  opii  ammon 

Tinct.  opii  camp 

Tinct.  opiitleodor 

Tinct.  qnassia* 

Tinct.  qninjse 

Tinct.  qniniieam 

Tinct.  rhei 

Tinct.  rhei  et  senn% 

Tinct.  sansniinaria) 

Tinct.  sciliw 

Tinct.  senegSB 

Tinct.  semiffi 

Tinct.  serpentariae 

Tinct.  stramon.  fol 

Tinct.  stramon.  sem 

Tinct.  sumbul 

Tinct.  tolut 

Tinct.  Valerianae 

Tinct.  valer.  ammon 

Tinct.  ver.  vir 

Tinct.  zingiberis 

Uva  ursi 

Valeriana , 

Veratr.  viride 

Veratria. 

Vin.  aloes 

Tin.  antimonii 

Vin.  colch.  rad 

Vin.  colch.  sem 

Vin.  ergotSB 

Vin.  ferri 

Vin.  ferri  citr 

Vin.  ipecac 5 

Vin.  opii 

Vin.  pic.  hqn 

Vin.  quini% 

Vin.  rhei 

Vin.  tabaci 

Zinciacet 

Zincicarb 

Zinci  chlorid 

Zinci  oxid 

Zinci  pbosphid 

Zinci  solph 5 

Zinci  valer 

Zingiber 


Dose  expressed  in  terms  of 
apothecaries'  weights  and 
measures. 


10  to  40  min. 

5  to  20  min 

10  to  20  min 

ito2fl.  dr 

ito2fl.  dr 

1  to2fl.  dr 

10  to  30  min 

lto2fl.dr 

Jtolfl.dr. 

10  to  30  min 

10  to  30  min 

10  to  20  min 

ito  Ifl,  dr 

15  to  60  min 

10  to  30  min 

1  to2tl.  dr 

1  tolj  tl.  dr 

lto2fl.  dr 

ItoSfl.dr 

ito21i.oz 

3to4fl.  dr 

15  to  30  min 

|to2d.  dr 

2todd.dr 

|to2fl.dr 

10  to  .50  min 

10  to  20  min 

15  to  30  min 

15  to  40  min 

1  to2fl.  dr 

Jtolfl.  dr 

5  to  20  min 

10  lo  30  min 

10  to  30  gr 

10  to  30  gr 

4  to6gr , 

i^toi  gr 

1  to2fl.  dr 

10  to  60  min 

10  to  30  min 

itol  fl,  dr 

lto3fl.  dr 

lto4fl.  dr , 

lto4fl.  dr 

Exp.,  5  to  40  min.... 
Emet,  3to6fl.  dr... 

10  to  40  min 

1  to4fl.  dr 

Jtol  fl.  oz 

1  to2fl.dr 

10  to  40  min 

1  to   2gr 

2to  10  gr 

i  to   2gr 

2tol0gr 

A  to    Igr 

Ton.,  1  to2  gr 

Emet,  10  to  30  gr... 

lto6   gr 

10  to  20  gr 


Washixcton,  J).  C. 


Dose   expressed   in   metric 
terms. 


C. 


0.50  to  3  C.  C. 
0.30  to  1.30  C.  C. 
0.50  to  1.30  C.  C. 
2  to  8  C.  C. 
2to8C.C. 
4  to  8  C.  C. 
0.50  to  2  C.  C. 
4  to  8  C.  C. 
2  to  4  C.  C. 
0.50to2C.  C. 
0.50  to  2  C.  C. 
0.50  to  1.30  C. 
2  to  4  C.  C. 
1  to  4  C.  C. 
0.50  to  2  C.  C. 
4  to  8  C.  C. 
4  to  6  C.  C. 
4  to  8  C.  C. 
4  to  30  C.  C. 
15  to  60  C.  C. 
10  to  15  C  C. 

1  to  2  C.  C. 
2to8C.  C. 
8  to  30  C.  0. 

2  to  8  C.  C. 
0.50  to  1.30  C.C. 
0.50  to  1.30  C.  C. 
1  to  2  C.C. 

1  to  2.50  C.  C. 
4  to  8  C.  C. 

2  to  4  C.  C. 
0.30  to  1.30  C.  C. 
0.50  to  2  O.  C. 
0.50  to  2  Gm. 
0.50  to  2  Gm. 
0.25  to  0.4  Gm. 
0.0013  to  0.010  Gm. 
4  to  8  C.  C, 

0.,50  to  4  C.  C. 
0.50  to  2  C.  C. 
2  to  4  C.  C. 
4  to  12  C.  C. 
4  to  15  C.  C. 
4  to  15  C.  C. 
0.30  to  2  50  C.  C. 
12  to  20  C.  C. 
0.50  to  3  C.  C. 
4  to  15  C.C. 
15  to  30  C.  C. 
4  to  8  C.  C. 
0.50  to  3  C.  C. 
0.05  to  0.10  Gm. 
0.10  to  0  60  Gm. 
0.03  to  0.10  Gm. 
0.10  to  0.60  Gm. 
0.005  to  0.01  Gm. 
0.0?  to  0.10  Gm. 
0.50  to  2  Gm. 
0.05  to  0.40  Gm. 
0..50  to  1.30  Gm. 


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202 


HETKIC    SYSTEM. 

Table  showing  the  relaiim  of  English  to  metric  lineal  units. 

PBRPARED  BY  PROFESSOR  PERSIFOR  FBAZER,  JR. 


Meters. 

a  00816 

0  0254 
a  0305 

.05715 

0. 1016 
0.1558 
0.1665 
0.  2012 
0.2286 
0.304^ 
0.3278 

0. 5715 
0.9144 

o.98:n 

1.143 
1. 3716 
1.5631 
1.829 

&0292 

2ail64 
63.6148 

201. 168 

1609.34 
1863. 62 

1 
4828.02 

Barleycorn 

Meters. 

0.001 
0.002 
0.003 
0.0U4 
0.005 
0.006 
0.007 
0.008 

0.009 

Millimeters. 

1 
2 
3 
4 

5 
6 
7 

8 

9 

1 
2 

3 

4 
5 

6 

7 
8 
9 

1 

2 

3 

4 
5 

6 
7 
8 
9 

Inch  (=3  barleycorns) 

0.01 
0.02 

0.03 

0.04 
0.05 

0.66 
0.07 
0.08 
0.09 

Centimeters. 

Foot  tenth  (=1.2  inches) 

j  Nail  (—2.25  inches) 

0 

Hand  (  =  4  inches) ^ 

(Caberootof  wine  gal.  or231  cub.  in.— 6.1538  in.)  1 

(Cube  root  of  beer  gal.  or  282  cub.  in.=6  5576  in.)  )> 

Link  (=7.92  inches)  >                                                              '^ 

0.1 

0.2 

0.3 

0.4 
0.5 

0.6 
0.7 
0.8 

a9 

Decimeters. 

1  i/uarter  (=siincnes)  >   "* * -.-....,. 

Foot  (=12  inches) v 

Cube  root  of  bushel  (=1.907  inches)  J 

Bll  Hamburg  (=24  quarters) 

Yard  (—3  feet) i 

Cubic  toot  of  wine  ton  -  38.78  inches  > 

Ell  English  (=5  (luarters)                       ) 

Ell  French  (=6  quarters)                       J. 

1 

a 

3 
4 
5 

6 

7 
8 
9 

Meters. 

1 

§ 

4 
5 

6 

7 

1 

1 
2 

3 

4 
5 
6 

7 
8 
9 

1 
2 

3 

4 
5 
6 

7 
8 
9 

1 

2 
3 
4 

5 

6 
7 

8 
9 

1 

Cube  root  of  cortl  ( =5.0397  feet) 
Fathom  (=6  feet)                                  j 

Bod,  pole,  or  perch  (=5.5  yards) 

Chain  (=4  rods =22  yards) 

10 
20 

30 
40 
SO 

eo 

70 
60 
90 

Dekameters. 

(Square  root  of  an  acre  (=69.57  yards) 

Furlong  (=10  chain8=40  rods) 

100 
200 

300 
400 
500 

600 
700 
800 
900 

Hectometers. 

Statute  mile  {=8  furlongs)                            > 

1000 

2000 
3000 
4000 

5000 
6000 
7000 
8000 
9000 

Kilometers. 

1 

treograpnical  mile  (—1.158  statute  miles)  > ' 

League  (—3  statute  miles) 

10000 

Myriameters. 

_L  -A trC  _L      /4  • 


ON   METRIC    COINAGE 


/ 


P^RT  3. 


\, 


Y 


t 


METRIC  COINAGE. 

Mr.  Stephens,  from  the  Committee  on  Coinage,  Weights,  and  Meas- 
ures, submitted  the  following  report  on  the  metric  coinage,  to  accompany 
the  foregoing  report  on  the  metric  system  of  weights  and  measures : 

The  several  House  biUs,  Nos.  410,  411,  412,  1519, 1911,  relating  to 
metric  gold  coinage,  goloid  coinage,  an  international  coin  denominated 
"one  Stella ^^;  ingots  of  the  metals  gold  and  silver  adapted  for  coin- 
age, on  which  certificates  may  be  issued  for  use  as  money;  ingots 
of  fine  metals,  for  exportation  and  manufactures,  and  for  the  coinage  of 
a  metric  silver  dollar,  all  of  full  United  States  standard  fineness,  value, 
and  denominations,  are  now  under  consideration  by  the  committee. 

The  subject  of  metric  coinage,  involving  some  of  these  matters,  was 
before  the  committee  of  the  Forty-fifth  Congress,  and  reported  favorably 
upon  at  the  close  of  the  session,  March  3, 1879.  The  whole  field  of  coin- 
age, in  all  the  United  States  coin  denominations,  has  since  been  perfected 
as  is  believed  and  as  will  appear  from  a  completed  formulation  of  the 
same,  prepared  by  Dr.  William  Wheeler  Hubbell  for  the  committee,  and 
herewith  submitted  to  the  House,  marked  *^  Exhibit  A.'' 

The  origin,  nature,  and  merit  of  the  French  metric  system  of  weights 
and  measures,  which  is  now  making  such  progress  in  all  commercial 
nations,  need  not  be  recapitulated  here;  suftice  it  to  say  that  the 
essential  principle  of  the  entire  system  is  simply  a  decimal  system  of 
multiples  and  divisions,  and  these,  of  course,  divisible  into  numerals,  as 
extensive  as  the  combinations  of  numbers,  which  are  almost  illimitable. 

The  application  of  the  unit  of  measure  of  the  metric  system,  the  meter, 
and  of  the  unit  of  weight,  the  gram,  belongs  to  the  report  on  weights 
and  measures,  so  far  as  all  measures  of  length,  capacity,  and  commercial 
articles  are  concerned;  this  report  being  intended,  with  this  prefatory 
explanation,  to  be  confined  to  the  subject  of  coinage. 

The  introduction  of  the  metric  system  in  coinage  has  been  delayed  for 
the  want  of  a  scientific  metallurgical  solution  of  its  application  to  stand- 
ard values  of  coin,  either  gold  or  silver. 

For  over  half  a  century  this  subject  has  baflrted  the  skill  of  the  most 
eminent  investigators  of  the  civilized  world.  The  nearest  approach  was 
that  proposed  in  this  country  a  few  years  ago,  to  nmke  the  gold  dollar 
to  consist  of  1.5  grams  of  pure  gold,  resulting  in  a  loss  of  three  dollars 
and  a  fraction  in  a  thousand  dollars,  and  the  coin  when  alloyed  to  .9 
fine  would  not  itself  be  in  any  recognized  metric  measure  of  weight.  It 
would  be  1^  grams,  and  there  are  no  thirds  in  the  metric  system ;  a 
third  is  not  expressible  in  decimals. 

The  French  gold  coins  are  not  metric,  not  expressed  in  even  numer- 
als, and  the  denomination  in  cents  not  in  even  decimal  units.  The 
French  five-franc  silver  coin  is  25  grams  in  weight,  .9  fine.  This 
weight  is  metric,  but  the  value  is  93.5  cents,  not  a  decimal  unit  of  de- 
nomination ;  and  the  loss  is  still  greater,  being  a  loss  of  6.5  per  cent, 
short  of  our  decimal  unit  of  one  dollar,  or  100  cents. 

These  were  the  nearest  approaches  to  the  great  desideratum. 

It  was  a  wise  foresight  in  the  founders  of  our  system  of  coinage,  to 
place  it  upon  the  basis  of  decimal  units  of  denomination,  10  cents,  25 


i 


2on 


METRIC    SYSTEM. 


cents,  50  cents,  100  cents,  or  one  dollar,  and  even  mnltiples  of  one  dollar. 
All  of  onr  contracts,  public  and  private,  are  founded  on  this  decimal  de- 
nomination of  coinaji^e,  or  of  money. 

The  difficult  problem  has  been  to  adapt  these  decimal  denominations 
to  the  metric  system,  and  still  preserve  their  exact  stan«lard  value. 
And  it  has  been  reserved  for  tlie  honor  of  the  United  States  to  make 
this  raetallur«:ical  <liscovery,  and  to  solve  this  great  complex  problem, 
so  imimrtant  to  the  interests  of  the  commercial  world,  and  to  present  a 
system,  decimal  throughout,  of  exact  standard  values,  fineness  of  the 
precious  metals,  embracing  the  use  of  both  gold  and  silver  on  the  high- 
est plane  or  level  of  equality,  on  the  standard  pi-actical  ratio,  and  in 
even  decimal  denominations  and  multiples  thereof,  (comprehending  our 
entire  coinage  system,  and  rendering  it  suitable  for  all  nations  with 
whom  we  may  trade  or  hold  intercourse. 

The  invention  or  discovery  was  first  made  l)y  Dr.  Hubbell,  in  the 
goloitl  dollar  of  14.25  grams  in  weight,  whicli  was  reported  to  the 
House  of  Representatives,  Forty-fifth  Congress,  second  session,  July  8, 
1878,  by  Mr.  Van(;e,  from  the  Committee  on  Coinage,  Weights,  and  Meas- 
ures, Keport  Xo.  918,  with  a  joint  resolution  No.  187,  which  imauimously 
passed  the  House,  but  w^as  not  reached  in  the  Senate  for  final  action. 
It  required  specimens  to  be  furnished,  and  laid  before  the  proposed 
International  Congress,  to  fix  a  ratio  between  gold  and  silver. 

The  then  Director  of  the  Mint,  Dr.  H.  R.  Linderman,  had  specimen 
metric  goloid  dollars  prepared  and  forwarded  to  our  <'ommissioners,  as 
appears  by  his  official  letter  of  July  22,  1878,  printed  with  a  letter  of 
July  24, 1878,  from  Dr.  Hubl>ell,  by  order  of  the  State  Department,  on 
request  of  the  President  of  the  United  States. 

Our  established  ratio  of  1(5  to  1  in  practical  mintage  is  in  accord  with 
all  of  our  obligations,  and  is  claimed  by  expert  practical  men  to  be  the 
best  in  all  respects ;  and  so  thoroughly  was  the  late  Director  of  the  Mint, 
Dr.  Linderman,  convinced  of  this,  that  instructions  to  this  ettect  were 
sent  to  our  then  commissioners  to  Paris ;  and  a  late  vote  of  the  House 
of  Representatives,  by  a  very  large  majority,  affirmed  the  propriety, 
substantially,  of  this  monetary  ratio. 

The  metric  coinage  system  herein  set  forth  is,  at  present,  founded  on 
this  ratio  of  16  to  1 ;  but  the  principle  upon  which  it  is  founded  admits 
of  any  variation  in  weight,  or  in  ratio,  that  may  in  future  time  be  desired, 
if  any,  which  is  unlikely,  as  it  embraces  all  the  advantages  of  bimetallic 
money,  and  more  than  all  the  benefits  of  mono-metallic  coinages,  without 
their  disadvantages. 

The  next  metric  coinage  discovered  or  invented  by  Dr.  Hubbell  was 
the  "metric  gold,''  comprising  the  gold  double-eagle,  35  grams  in 
weight  and  twenty  dollars  in  value,  and  all  the  divisions  of  that  denomi- 
nation in  United  States  coinage,  consisting  of  the  eagle,  half-eagle,  three 
dollars,  quailer-eagle,  and  one  dollar ;  this  metric  gold  coinage,  together 
with  the  goloid  dollar,  were  reiK)rted  favorably  to  the  House  of  Repre- 
sentatives of  the  45th  Congress,  third  session,  Report  No.  64,  on  January 
21,  1879,  by  the  chairman  of  and  from  the  Committee  on  Coinage, 
Weights,  and  Measures. 

Subsequently,  on  January  24, 1879,  the  Secretary  of  State  transmitted 
to  the  Secretary  of  the  Treasury,  dispatches  of  date  January  3, 1879,  from 
Hon.  John  A.  Kasson,  formerly  chairman  of  the  Committee  on  Coinage, 
Weights,  and  Measures,  and  at  present  minister  at  Vienna,  in  rehation  to 
a  coi*!!  to  express  invoice  values,  in  a  unit  of  denomination  near  to  the 
eight-tiorin  piece,  which  latter  coin  had  been  allowed  by  the  Treasure 
for  this  inirpose,  as  a  commercial  convenience. 


y 


METRIC    8Y8TEM. 


207 


>■ 


it  y 


These  papers  were  handed  over  by  the  committee  to  Dr.  Hubbell, 
who  worked  out  the  problem  perfectly  in  the  metric  gold  coin  of  400 
cents  even  value,  containing  six  grams  of  pure  gold,  three  decigrams 
of  pure  silver,  and  seven  decigrams  of  pure  copper;  seven  grams  even 
in  total  weight ;  closely  approximating  to  all  the  foreign  coin  of  near 
this  denomination,  and  in  all  computations  convertible  into  them,  and 
into  other  Unitexi  States  coin  with  a  single  numeral,  four,  and  absolutely 
metric  in  all  respects,  being  one-fifth  of  the  metric  double-eagle. 

A  favorable  report  on  the  whole  of  this  subject  was  made  to  the  House 
of  Representatives  of  the  45th  Congress,  third  session,  Report  Xo.  136,  on 
March  3,  1879,  by  the  chairman  of  the  Committee  on  Coinage,  AVeights, 
and  Measures. 

An  equation  of  eight  to  one  was  then  discovered  by  Dr.  Hubbell  be- 
tween the  goloid  dollar  and  the  metric  gold  coin,  whereby  the  goloid 
dollar  was  made  even  14  grams  in  weight,  and  the  metric  gold  dol- 
lar 1.75  grams  in  weight,  as  originally  discovered. 

A  metric  silver  dollar  was  then  produced  by  him,  precisely  25  grams 
in  weight  and  100  cents  in  value,  thus  overcoming  the  difficult^'  of  de- 
nominational value,  that  existed  in  the  French  5-franc  silver-piece  of  this 
weight,  and  in  our  subsidiary  silver  coin  of  halves,  quarters,  and  dimes, 
in  metric  weights  copied  from  it. 

This  metric  system  of  coinage  is  now  perfected,  by  the  inventor  thereof, 
to  include  every  denomination  of  the  coins  of  gold  and  silver  of  the 
United  States,  .9  fine,  and  an  international  unit  of  denomination  in  the 
"Stella,"  all  in  precise  accord  with  every  principle  and  condition  required 
in  United  States  coinage. 

The  specimens  of  the  metric  coin  struck  show  superiority,  the  metal  is 
tougher  and  more  resistant  to  abrasion,  and  durable,  on  principles  rec- 
ognized in  other  alloys  in  metallurgy. 

These  metric  coins  are  ternary  alloys  on  the  bimetallic  money  basis ; 
they  embody  a  practical  compensation  of  the  precious  metals  in  all  re- 
spects, and  no  doubt,  if  adopted,  will  greatly  facilitate  the  voluntary 
introduction  and  adoption  in  the  United  States  of  the  metric  system, 
which  is  already  legalized  by  Congress,  and  which  has  been  adojjted  by 
80  many  of  the  progressive  nations  of  the  earth.  Its  essential  principle, 
a  decimal  system,  is  adapted  to  all  commercial  uses. 

An  important  feature  in  these  coins  is  that  their  weight  is  equally  ex- 
pressible in  both  the  metric  and  in  troy  measures  of  weight.  The  two 
systems,  metric  and  troy,  come  together  on  this  perfected  coinage  basis. 
In  illustration  of  this.  Exhibit  "B"  is  hereto  appended. 


Exhibit  A. 

Washington,  D.  C,  May  5,  1879. 

Dear  Sir:  At  your  suggestion,  I  embody  and  append  hereto  an  entire  formulation  of 
the  perfected  system  of  metric  alloy,  and  coinage  of  gold  and  silver  invented  by  my- 
self, and  respectfully  submit  the  same  for  your  consideration,  that  of  the  committee 
of  which  you  are  chairman,  and  of  the  Congress  of  the  United  States. 

This  entire  system  of  metric  coinage,  and  its  auxilliary  monetary  representation, 
or  e<|uivelanta,'of  coinage  ingots  and  certificates,  are  embraced  in  practical  form  in 
the  House  bills  numbws  410,  411,  412,  1911,  and  fine  ingots  for  export  and  manufac- 
turing use  in  No.  1519. 

In  my  judgment  this  precious  metal  monetary  system  is  now  x>erfect  in  every  respect, 
and  is  the  full  and  complete  realization  of  the  metric  measure  of  weight  in  standard 
coinage;  a  discovery  for  which  the  world  has  been  looking  to  us,  for  the  reason 
that  ours  was  a  decimal  system  of  denominations,  and  the  decimal  is  the  essential 


i 


208 


METRIC    SYSTEM. 


METRIC    SYSTEM. 


209 


principle  of  the  metric  system,  with  the  meter  as  its  unit  of  measure,  and  the  gram 
SL8  its  unit  of  weight,  derived  from  the  meter.    I  petition  for  its  adoption. 

Respectfully,  /' 

*  WM.  WHEELER  HUBBELL.       < 

Hon.  Alexander  H.  Stephens,  ' 

Chairman  of  the  Committee  on  Coinage,  IVeights,  and  Measures 

of  the  House  of  Representatives  of  the  Forty-sixth  Congress. 


Formulations  of  the  metric  system  of  eoinage  of  gold  and  silver  of  United  States  denomina-    i 

iions,  standard  value  and  fineness.  ]r 

Ist.  Metric  gold  coin  ;  ratio  of  value  1  to  16. 
Parts  of  alloy : 
Pare  gold,  30  grams ;  pure  silver,  1.5  grams ;  copper,  3.5  grams :  total  35  grams. 

Expressed  in  standard  metals :  / 

Standard  gold,  .9  fine 33.334  grams.  4 

Standard  silver,  .9  fine 1.666  grams. 

Weight,  grams 35.000 

Expressed  in  troy  grains =540.125  grains. 

Minting  proportions : 

Pure  gold 857.14  ) 

Pure  silver 42.86  V= 1,000  parts.  V 

Copper lOO.OOi  ' 

Value  of  the  standard  gold $19.93.8 

Yalue  of  the  standard  silver 6.2 

Being  one  double-eagle,  value 20.00 

Divisions  of  the  double-eagle  in  weight  and  val  ue,  expressed  in  denominations :     ,  / 

One  eagle weight,  17.5     grams;  value,  $10. 00.     J 

Half-eagle.*' weight,  8.75   grams;  value,      5.00. 

Three-dollar  coin weight,  5.25    grams;  value,      3.00. 

Quarter-eagle weight,  4.375  grams;  value,      2.50. 

One  dollar? weight,  1.75    grams;  value,      1.00. 

Onestella weight,  7         grams;  value,      4.00. 

I  do  not  advise  metric  gold  coin  of  less  value  than  $4.     The  denomination  of    / 
**one  Stella"  is  the  proposed  new  unit  of  denomination  for  invoice  valuations,  into    \ 
which,  it  being  even  400  cents  in  value,  the  units  of  value  of  all  nations,  and  their    ' 
approximate  coin,  in  hunilreds  or  thousands,  are  readily  convertible,  and  to  which 
they  may  be  easily  made  precisely  conformable,  and  thus  adopt  our  decimal  system 
for  all  invoice  values.    Gold  coins  less  than  |4  are  too  small  for  convenient  use,  too 
expensive  and  difficult  to  atljust  in  mintage,  and  wear  away  too  rapidly. 

2.  Metric  goloid  coin  ;  ratio  of  value  1  to  16.  J 

Parts  of  alloy :  * 

Pure  gold 76.5  centigrams;  pure  silver  11.835 grams;  coi)i>er  1.4 grams :  total  14 grams. 

Expressed  in  standard  metals : 

Standard  gold,  .9  fine 85  centigrams. 

Standard  silver,  .9  fine 13.15  grams. 

Weight,  grams 14.00  T 

Expressed  in  troy  grains 216.05  grains. 

Minting  proportions : 

Pore  gold 54.64  ) 

Pure  silver 845.36  >  =  1,000  parts. 

Copper 100.00  ) 

Value  of  the  85  centigrams  of  standard  gold  in  the  goloid  dollar,  in  cents 50.841     J 

Value  of  the  13.15  grams  of  standard  silver  in  the  goloid  dollar,  in  cents 49.159      i 

Cents  100.000 


Multiples  and  divisions  of  the  coin : 

Two-dollar  goloid  coin weight,  28     grams ;  value,  $2  00 

N.      Half-dollar  goloid  coin    weight,    7     grams ;  value,        50 

i     Quarter-dollar  goloid  coin weight,    3.5  grams ;  value,        25 

'^     One  dime  goloid  coin    weight,    1.4  grams;  value,        10 

The  metric  goloid  dollar  is  the  real  unit  of  value  of  ''gold  aud  silver,"  or  of  the 
precious  metals,  aud  of  metric  coinage ;  while  the  metric  gold  dollar  of  1.75  grams 
would  be  the  denominational  unit  of  metric  gold,  and  the  metric  silver  dollar  of  25 
grams,  hereafter  specified,  would  be  the  denominational  unit  of  metric  silver. 

V  The  whole  system  of  the  precious  metals  consolidates  itself  on  the  goloid  dollar  as 
4^    the  real  unit  of  value,  possessing  the  compensating  and  controlling  power  of  unity  of 

)      use  aud  valuation  within  itself,  and  drawing  both  the  gold  and  the  silver  on  the  united 

standard,  and  ratio  in  practical  mintage  of  1  to  16,  into  itself,  as  their  most  valuable 

and  useful  embodiment ;  hence  forcing  and  liolding  them  to  par,  or  100  to  100.     While 

as  a  metal  it  stands  next  to  gold  in  density,  and  above  either  gold  or  silver  in  its 

sonority  or  ring,  its  colors  differ  from  other  alloys.     Its  toughness  exceeds  either 

gold  or  silver  binary  alloys.     Its  resistance  to  abrasion  is  in  the  aggregate  fully  equal 

X       to  gold,  and  its  convenience  of  size  for  its  denominations  of  §2,  .$1,  50  and  25  cents, 

i-    exceeds  all  other  coin  for  American  coinage.    Its  equation  of  value  in  weight,  to 

'       metric  gold  stands  as  8  is  to  1. 

3.  Metric  silver  dollars  ;  ratio  of  value  1  to  16. 

Parts  of  alloy : 
Pure  gold  105  milligrams;  pure  silver  22.395  grams;  copper  2.5  grams:  total  weight 
\  25  grams. 

'  Expressed  in  standard  metals. 

Standardgold 117  milligrams,  .9  fine. 

Standard  silver 24.883  grams  .9  fine. 

Weight,  grams 25.000 

Expressed  in  troy  grains =  385.8  grains. 

V  Minting  proportions: 

^      Pure  silver 895.8  > 

Pure  gold 4.2  Vl,000  parts. 

Copper 100.0  > 

Value  of  the  1 17  milligrams  of  standard  gold 6. 98  cents. 

Value  of  the  24.883  grams  of  standard  silver 93. 02  cents. 

y  Cents 100.00 

Divisions  of  the  coin : 

One  dollar  (being  the  unit  of  denomination) weight,  25  grams. 

Half-dollar weight,  12.5    grams;  50  cents. 

Quarter-dollar weight,    6.25  grams;  25  cents. 

One  dime weight,    2.5   grams;   10  cents. 

^This  metric  silver  dollar  is  of  the  precise  weight  (25  grams)  of  the  French  silver 
5-franc  piece,  the  value  of  which  is  93.5  cents; 
This  American  metric  silver  dollar  would  be  smaller,  more  dense,  of  the  same  weight, 
100  cents  in  value,  in  even  decimals  as  well  as  metric,  and  would  therefore  tend  to  dis- 
place the  Belgian  5  franc,  the  Bolivian  dollar,  the  French  5  franc,  the  Italian  5  lira, 
the  Spanish  5  peseta,  the  Swiss  5  franc  silver  coin,  in  the  markets  of  the  world;  it  being 
6.5  cents  more  valuable.    The  "one-stella"  gold  coin  would  also  circulate  all  over 
the  w<»rld,  because  of  its  convenient  denomination  and  metric  measures,  bearing  simple 
i       relations  to  the  gram.     Exchanges  would  be  settled  in  the  fine  bullion,  iiilOO  ingots,  gold 
y      with  gold  countries  and  silver  with  silver  countries,  until  circumstances  force  them 
'       to  adopt  in  full  this  metric  system,  as  they  will ;  or  the  rapid  growth  of  this  country 
will  draw  both  the  gold  and  silver  from  them  to  go  into  our  metric  coinage,  where  it 
will  be  most  valuable,  and  our  industries  become  so  vast  in  suiidus  productions,  that 
not  only  will  there  be  employment  for  all,  in  the  creation  of  permanent  wealth  and  im- 
provenients  in  this  country,  but  the  exchanges  of  the  world  will  be  in  our  favor ;  and 
the  monometallic  gold  countries  of  Europe,  will  have  missed  the  possibility  of  making 
I.      this  countrj'  subordinate  to  their  concentration  of  money  power  on  gold  alone,  while 
{        America  will  have  her  metric  gold  and  goloid  coinage  and  ingots,  backed  by  the  rich- 
est gold  and  silver  mines  of  the  world,  as  her  sure  foundation  of  reliance  for  the  stabil- 
ity of  value  of  the  works  or  productions  of  her  industry.    The  weights  of  these  coin 

H.  Rep.  14 14 


> 

y 


210 


METRIC    SYSTEM. 


are  expressed  iii  both  metric  and  in  troy  measures.  This  is  an  important  feature  iu 
the  fomiulation  and  discoveiy,  that  both  the  metric  and  troy  systeuLS  come  together, 
on  this  coinage  basis,  perfectly.  r' 

Prepared  for  the  Committee  on  Coinage,  Weights,  and  Measufes,  first  session  Forty-     > 
sixth  Congress,  by 

\VM.  WHEELER  HUBBELL, 
CoHitseUor,  Expert,  Inventor  «)''  Patentee. 
Washixgtox,  D.  C,  May  5, 1879. 


} 


I^DEX 


Exhibit  B. 

Table  of  the  metric  coin  stated  both  iu  troy  jjrains  and  form  aud  in  the  French  me- 


tric gram  aud  form  of  weights. 


Metric  gold  coin. 


Troy  grains. 

Grama.              Dollars. 

Kind  of  coin. 

540t 

^a^ 

35            —    20.00     — 

one  double  eagle. 

135^5 

17.5        —     10.1)0    — 

one  eagle. 

..^_ 

8.75      —      5.00    — 

half  eagle, 
one  Stella. 

IO84L, 

7           —      4.00    — 

67iJ 

4.375    —      2.50    — 

quarter  eagle. 

^ih 

1.75      —      1.00    — 
Metric  goloid  coin. 

one  gold  dollar. 

432  A, 

28           —      2.00    — 

two  dollars  goloid. 

216^^0 

14           —      1.00    — 

one  goloid  dollar. 

IO8/0 

7           —      0.50    — 

half  goloid  <lollar. 

^^ 

3.5        —      0.25    — 

quarter  goloid  dollar. 

21  h% 

1.4        —      0.10    — 

goloitl  dime. 

• 

Metric  silver  coin. 

3a5^., 

25           —      1.00    — 

one  silver  dollar. 

192,^0 

12.5        —      0..50    — 

half  silver  dollar. 

96  ,<^, 

6.25      —      0.25    — 

<iuaii;er  silver  dollar. 

38]p0y 

—— 

2.5       —      0.10    - 

one  silver  dime. 

-i 


^l  Y 


WM.  WHEELER  HUBBELL, 

Counsellor  and  Inventor. 


{[) 


A. 

Paj^e. 

Academy  of  Science  aud  the  gram 11 

Adoption  of  the  Federal  decimal  system  recommended 17 

Articles  of  Confederation,  relating  to  coinage 18 

Adams,  John  Quincy,  Secretary  of  State,  report  of .20, 21, 22, 24, 41, 76 

Austria,  adoption  of  the  metric  system 24, 84, 97 

Argentine  Republic,  partial  adoi)tion  of  the  metric  .system 24, 140 

Ar,  definition  of 28 

Arithmetical  tables 32 

Airey,  Royal  Astronomer B-^^l/O 

Articles  of  conventions 44, 45, 46 

Airy,  MM 53 

American  Metrological  Society,  resolutions  of. 58, 66 

American  Association  for  the  Advancement  of  Science,  report  of  committee.. 58-tll, 97 

Annual  contribution 65 

Adams,  George  M.,  Clerk  House  of  Representatives 67 

Adjutant-General,  report  of 71 

Alvord,  Hon.  Benjamin,  Paymaster-General  United  States  Army 76 

87 

87 


c/ 


Asia 

Africa  , 

Algiers 

Address  to  the  Queen 101-108 

Airv,  G.  B.,  chairman  Queen's  committee 105, 108 

'        -  109 

111 
111 
140 


Ala.sk a,  Territory  of. 
Arpents,  land  measure 

Assyria 

Austria-Hungary 


B. 


Barnard,  Prof.  F.  A.  P.,  LL.D 9,10,12,57,61,160,170 

Bushel,  contents  of 18 

British  Parliament,  proposition  to 19 

Bache,  Professor,  report  of,  1848 22 

Berlin 23 

Belgium,  adoption  of  the  metric  system 24,84,140 

Brazil,  use  of  the  metric  system 24, 140 

Bundy,  H.  S.,  member  of  Committee  on  Coinage,  Weights,  and  Measures 31 

Bill  to  enable  importers  to  use  metric  weights  aud  measures 42 

Brewer,  Hon.  M.  S.,  member  of  connuittee 42 

Bureau  of  Weights  and  Measures,  construction  of 46,  47,48,94, 15.'>,  168 

Bout  well,  Hon.  George  S.,  Secretary  of  Treasury .55, 125 

British  ludia,  adoption  of  metric  system 5<>,  87 

British  metric  committee 56 

British  ordnance  survey 57 

Bristow,  Hon.  B.  H.,  Secretary  Treasury 63, 131, 135, 137, 14G,  150, 15.5, 159 

Blank  agency,  Post-Offiee  Department 70 

Barnes,  Hon  J.  K.,  Surgeon-General  United  States  Army 75 

Ben^t,  S.  v.,  brigadier- general  and  Chief  of  Ordnance 77 

Bushel,  discrepancies  in 90,92 

Bank  of  England 107 

Babylon Ill 

Bort,  Teisserenc  de 125 

Bartholdi,  A.,  French  legation 134,138,139 

Broch,  Dr.  O.  I 148 

Bressel,  Mr 170 

211 


212 


INDEX. 


INDEX. 


213 


c. 


Committee  on  Coinage,  Weights,  and  Measares,  report  of 

Culver,  C.  P.,  clerk  to  Committee  on  Coinage,  Weights,  and  Measares. 


Page 

9,205 

2,169 

5 

10 

, 38, 115 

12, 13 

12,13 

16 

17 

17,23 

17 

18 

19 

41 

21 

22 

^2, 23 

24 

159, 160 

32,33 

,  75, 120 

42 

43 

49, 50 

56 

56 


Contents 

Constitaent  Assembly  of  France  and  the  metrological  system 

Clarke,  A.  R.,  of  the  British  ordnanc«^,  and  his  survey 11 

Capacity,  metric,  table  of 

Commercial  intercourse  and  the  metric  system 

Coinage,  report  of  the  Committee  on .-- 

Commissioners  appointed  to  confer  with  Great  Britain 

Chase,  Salmon  P.,  Secretary  of  the  Treasury 

Coinage,  recommendations  of  International  Congress 

Congress,  order  of 

session  of,  1791 

appropriations  of ■ 

Construction  of  standards  of  the  common  measures  of  length,  &c 

Coins,  uniformity  of,  recommended 

Connecticut,  resolution  of,  1861 

Chili,  introduction  of  metric  system 

Coast  Survey,  United  States,  use  of  metric  system 31,94,95, 131, 135, 148, 

Cubic  measure,  table  of 

Clark,  Hon.  John  B.,  jr.,  member  of  committee 42,67 

Clarke,  Hon.  John  B.,  member  of  committee 

Convention,  rei>ort  of 

Contracting  parties,  names  of 

Continental  Europe,  adoption  of  metric  system ,... 

Chisholm,  W.  W.,  warden  of  the  standards 

Commissary-General,  report  of 

Chief  of  Engineers,  report  of 

Chief  of  Ordnance,  report  of 

Crispin,  S.,  lieutenant  colonel.  United  States  Army,  views  on  metric  system. .. 

Central  American  States 

Customs  duties 

Colchester,  member  Queen's  committee 

Cave,  Stephen,  member  Queen's  committee 

Chisholm,  H.  W 105, 

Cadwalader,  Hon.  John  L.,  acting  Secretary  of  State 131, 133, 150, 153, 157, 

Conference,  objects  of 

Count  Apponyi,  Austrian  ambassador 

Covi,  Italian  delegate 

Conant,  Hon.  Charles  F.,  Acting  Secretary 

D. 

Digit,  the  average  length  of  the  finger 10 

DeJambre,and  the  unit  of  linear  measure 10 

De  Schubert,  T.  F.,  of  the  Ruswian  Army 11,170 

Decimal  system  recommended  by  Jefferson 19 

Denmark * ^     -^4 

and  Scandinavian  Convention 24, 85, 141 

Dawes,  Hon.  H.  L.,  member  Committee  on  Coinage,  Weights,  and  Measures  . .  31 

Dry  measure,  table  of '^ 

Dwifiht,  Hon.  J.  W.,  member  of  committee  on  Coinage,  Weights,  and  Measures .  42 

Department  of  State, response  of ..  ..67, 123, 132, 134, 135, 137, 13«,  139, 147, 149, 150, 151, 

^  153,157,158,159,161,167 

Dunn,  Hon.  W.  M.,  Judge- Advocate -General 72 

Duty  on  glass,  table  of 101 

Department  of  Interior,  response  of 108 

Davis,  Hon.  J.  C.  B I'-W 

Dumas,  Mr.,  secretary  of  Academy  of  Sciences 134, 140, 142 

Diplomatic  Metrical  Conference 140,146,147,148 

DukeDecazes,  president,  &c 140,152,153,159,160 

Davies,  Professor •  I'O 

E. 
10 

system 22,24 

24 

30 


76 

77 

78,79 

84 

100 

105, 103 

105, 108 

108, 145 

158, 161 

136, 151 

140 

142 

149 


t- 


56    V 


r 


it 


Page. 

31 

59 

61,99 

163, 167 

84-87 

87 

105 

106 

112 

112-119 

164, 165 

169 

170 

201 


Edward  II,  in  1324 

England,  consideration  of  metric 
Ecuador,  use  of  metric  system  . . . 
Exports  for  year  i860 


English  and  metric  units,  relative  values  of 

European  Geodesic  Association,  conference  of  1870 

Elliot,  E.  B.,  chief  clerk  Bureau  of  Statistics 

Evarts,  Hon.  William  M.,  Secretary  of  State 68,123, 

European  nations,  adoption  of  metric  system 

Egypt  

Edward  I 

English  money,  coinage  of 

Education,  Bureau  of 

Eaton,  Hon.  John,  Commissioner,  &c.,  report  of 

Expenses  of  International  Convention,  jf>ro  i^ata,  &c 

East  India 

Everest,  Col.,  director  of  Indian  survey 

English  long  measure,  comparative  chart  of 

F. 

France,  and  the  inauguration  of  the  metric  system 10, 11,24,76,85, 102, 141 

French  system,  report  on,  March  1,  1791 19 

Frazer,  Prof.  Persifor,  jr  ,  A.  M.,  tables  for  the  interconversion  of  metric  and 

English  units:  ditto,  for  English  and  metric  units 38,40,201,202 

Fish,  Hon.  Hamilton, 52, 62, 134, 136, 138, 139, 147, 150, 151^155, 158, 159 

France,  government  of  ;  action  of 51,  .55, 56, 133, 16l> 

Fizeau,  M.,  uiethod  of ' 52,53 

French  Academy  of  Science ^ 

French  Colonies y 

Fass,  a  Gtimun  measure Jl^ 

Foerster,  Dr.  W 142,148 

G. 

Gram,  amlits  length ;r~«'i''o-  ini^iTn 

Gt-rmany i 11,  i 6, bo, 9/,  102, 140 

Gallon,  contents  of - oj  >3c  iJi 

Grece,  adoption  of  metric  system,  with  modifications i4,Hb,  141 

Guatemala,  partial  use  of  metric  system ** 

Gibson,  Hon.  R.  L.,  member  of  committee 4i 

Grant,  U.  S.,  President  United  States,  message  from 43 

Great  Britain,  permissive  use  of 56,  /7,86,97 

George  IV,  act  of    jOb 

Graham,  Thomas irS 

Gunter  chain 109 

Geological  Survey  Office,  response  of 1*0 

Govi,  Gilbert J*° 

Goloid  coinage^  or  "stella" ^*^f  '*07. 

H. 

10 

Hilgaixl,  Prof.  J.  E. ...  11, 15, 51, 59, 61, 62, 65, 66, 93, 94, 98, 126, 130, 135, 136, 137, 138, 142. 
^       '  143, 145, 147, 148, 149, 153, 155, 159, 169 

House  of  Representatives ;  report  on  metric  system 20, 23, 67, 71, 94 

Holland,  introduction  of  metric  system 22,24,102 

House  of  Commons,  select  committee  of 24,25,102 

Haves,  R.  B,  President  United  States 

Humphreys,  Hon.  A.  A.,  Brigadier-General  and  Chief  of  Engineers 

Hungary 

Her  Majesty's  committee 

Henrv  V 

Henry  VIII 

Hough,  Dr.  F.  B 

Hav«len,  Hon  F.  V.,  United  States  Geologist 

Hii-sch,  Dr ! - 142,154,160,161,162,163 

Herr,  Professor,  Austrian  delegate ^'*^' ^'*' '  }  12 

Husny,  Dr.  Hirsch :;;,.-  TlS 

Hitt,R.  R 154,lDo,15b 

Herschel  Sir  John .... .... . ............ I'O 

Hubbell.  Dr.  Wm.  Wheeler*  author  of  Metric  Coinage 205,206,207,208,210 


67 

77 

oD 

105 
105 
105 
115 
1^ 


i 


214 


INDEX. 


I. 

•  Page. 

International  linear  measurement 9 

International  Postal  CoDj;ress,  1863 23 

International  Statistical  Congress,  186^5 -  23 

Italy,  adoption  of  the  metric  system '24, 86, 141 

Indnstrial  Exhibition 24 

International  Bureau  of  Weights  and  Measures..  .42, 51, 54, 57, 60, 65, 126, 14*>,  147, 154 , 

.  160, 161,  166 

International  Standard  Commission .-.._51,.V2,_63-(^ 

International  Metric  Conitiiissiou 52, 54, 56, 57, 133 

International  Prototypes,  custody  of • -•  -^ 

Invariableness  of  metric  stnudards -^^ 

Inspector-General,  report  of 71 

Imports  in  and  exports  from  the  United  States,  table  of 02, 93 

India 102,170 

Interior  Department,  letter  from 108-110 

Imperial  stab 114 

Ibai-iez,  General 142, 148, 153, 1.54,  l<i--M63,  ir>5 

International  Committee  of  Weights  and  Measures  ..  14?^,  153, 1.54, 161, 162,  HjM,  ir)6, 1()7 
International  Metrical  Convention  16U,  161, 167 

J. 

Joint  resolution  of  Congress,  metric  standards 1-1 

Jetlerson,  Thomas,  President  United  States 18, 19, 20 

Jndge-Advocate-Geueral,  report  of 72 

Japan -^ 

Knapp,  Hon.  K.  M.,  ex-meuiber  of  Congress _   _  242 

Kilogram,  weight  of 11.  !•>'  •»1.'j3 

Knpfer,  M.,  superintendent  weights  an<l  measures  of  the  Russian  Euipire 24 

Kasson,  John  A  , chairman  Committee  on  Coinage,  Weights. and  Measure;!,  l-^G-;.     31. 2i)6 

Kater,  Captain,  member  Royal  Standards  Commission,  1"'21 3i 

Key,  Hon.  D.  AI.,  Postmaster-General 70 

Kanni',  a  German  measure    114 

Kern,  Dr.,  minister  from  Switzerland 140 

L. 

Length,  metric  table  of —  12, 13 

Liter,  standard  of 15,  is 

Lorn bardy,  adoption  of  the  metric  system 24 

Linear  measure 32 

Latid  measure,  table  of 32 

Li(|uid  measure,  table  of 33 

LetV vre,  John  George  Shaw 105, 108 

Land  Otitice 108 

Land  measure,  divisi«)ns  of 1"'.'.  113 

Legation  of  United  States  at  Paris,  France 130, 140, 142. 14:?,  144, 145, 147, 151,  l.")2, 

1.5:;,  I.")*;,  ico,  i(;i,it53 

Legation  of  France  in  United  States 1:53.  i:{0, 165 

Linderman,  Dr.  H.  R.,  Director  of  tiie  Mint 206 

Maish,  Hon.  Levi,  ex-member  Congress 2,  3, 7,0, 42 

Mnldrow,  Hon.  H.  L.,  M.  C,  member  of  sub-committee. 2,42 

Moses,  the  patiiarch,  and  his  unit  of  measure 10 

Miehain,  and  the  ttuif  of  linear  nieanure 10 

Metre,  its  origin  as  the  infit  of  measure 10, 14, 2"*^  jy^  :>1^  32, 52 

Measurements  of  the  French  geodeaists 11 

Monej-,  tables  of 12.208 

Metric  standards  for  the  States,  description  of 15 

Madison,  James,  President  United  States  1816,  recommendations  of 20 

Metrology,  Hebrew,  Greek,  and  Roman 20 

Maine,  joint  resolution  of,  1860 22, 115 

Mexican  Republic,  adoption  of  metric  system 24,5(J,  84 


i 


1 


^ 


{ 


f 


it 


} 


INDEX. 


215 


Page. 

Metric  system,  scheme  of ^  ^'  ^ 

Metric  nations,  1866 - ^ 

Metric  notation  and  numeration,  rule  and  analysis  of o4 

Metric  weights  and  measures,  reduction  of,  rule  and  analysis  of 3o 

Metric  weights  and  measures,  application  of 30, 9b,  J7 

Metrological  reform,  conclusions  on *1 

Metric  standards,  custody  of ^ 

Memorial  to  Congress : ^'• 

Marshall,  Hon.  J.  W.,  Superintendent  Railway  Mail  Service. ^0 

McCrarv,  Hon.  G.W.,  Secretary  of  War ^J 

Marcy ,  Hon.  R.  B.,  Inspector-General ■;•.-••;. W  W  V  *  i -o  i rn 

Meigs,  Hon.  M.  C,  Quartermaster-General,  Brevet  Major-General,  U.  S.  A  ....  <3, 169 

Macfeely ,  Hon.  R.,  Commissary-General  of  Subsistence /o 

Martinique °J 

Miller,  W.  H 1"^'  1"^ 

Mississippi  Vailey  survey,  history  of,  &c ........  lU 

Marquis  de  Noaillea '       '  l?/ i in  i  i^ 

Morin,  General  Director,  &c 1'*'*' I'*  '  Jlx 

Morrill,  Hon.  L.  M.,  Secretary  of  the  Treasury Jb" 

Marine  Hospital,  report  of y  } 

Metric  lineal  measure,  comparative  chart  of -Jji 

Metric  coinage,  discovery  and  introduction  of 20o 

Metric  gold  double-eagle - 20o 

Metric  system  of  coinage  of  gold  and  silver,  formulations  of on-  ooq 

Metric  gold  coin,  ratio  of  value <>nQ'oirt 

Metric  silver  dollars,  ratio  of  value ^9,5iiu 

N. 

New  York  City  and  its  meridian  quadrant JJ 

National  Assembly  of  France.  .\. JJ 

New  Hampshire,  joint  resolution  of  legislature,  1859 ._..^..  ^i 

National  Academy  of  Sciences,  report  of ^^'  ^'  •'^' '  Ij"'  ^y,'  }  „ 

Norway,  adoption  of  the  metric  system '^'*'^"»^H 

Non-metric  nations,  1?^66 ^ 

Nations  adopting  metric  system r 41,  Sj 

Newton,  H.  A ^''^ 

Navy  Department,  reply  of rj 

Netherlands '  taA 

North  German  Confederation J^** 

Nigra,  Chevalier Jf^V  i?q 

Noyes,  ^Jdvvard  F 161,163 

O. 

Origin  of  linear  measurement |J 

Origin  of  metric  system *^ 

Ounce,  weight  of *J 

Outrev  Max    ....,.-.--•..-..-    .............«--•.-.--••---•----''•---•-•-•  loo 

Oldberg,  OscarVM.'D.,*  chief  clerk  and  acting  medical  purveyor  United  States 
Marine  Hospital  Service,  report  on  metric  system,  weights  and  measures.. .  171-200 

P. 

o 
Preface J 

Part  First g^? 

Part  Second ™ 

Phedon  of  Argos  in  Greece *" 

Prototype  of  the  international  archives ii 

Paris  and  the  international  commission i) 

Public  schools,  and  the  adoption  of  the  metric  system. ......  .-.-•-- ;.  ro  ^i 

Patterson,  Hon.  C.  P.,  Superintendent  United  States  Weights  and  Meas^^^^^^^ 

93, 94, 132, 13o,  14b,  lo9, 161, 16/ ,  168 

Prussian  Government,  report  of •  jj^'^ 

Portugal,  adoption  of  the  metric  system i'/li 

Plenipotentiaries,  names  of tl 

Paris,  seat  of  international  bureau - ....'.......-... o4 

Peirce,  Hon.  Benjamin,  Superintendent  United  States  Weights  and  Measures.  55, 61 

Post-Office  Department,  reply  to  committee ^ 

Paymaster-General,  report  of «^ 


216 


INDEX. 


^ 


INDEX. 


217 


Page. 

Proposed  standards 81,82,97 

Pern,  Republic  of 84,141 

Ponnde  Towre 1(H> 

Parliameot,  act  of 107 

Patent  Office,  United  States 110 

Pfnnd.  a  German  measure 114 

Powell,  J.  W.,  geological  survey  office,  Rocky  Mountains 124 

Protocols,  volume  of 16S 

Prescri ptions,  metric  form  of 170 

Posological  table 191-202 

Q. 

Quartermaster-General,  report  of 72 

Queen's  most  excellent  Majesty,  address  to lOl-lOS 

Queen  Elizabeth 106 

B. 

Report  to  second  edition 3,9 

Report  of  Committee  on  Coinage,  Weights,  and  Measures,  186C KJ 

Resumption  of  the  subject  after  war  of  1812 20 

Resolutions  of  State  legislatures,  »fcc 21 

Reduction  of  metric  to  common  weights 36,  37. 160, 1«1 

Reduct ion  of  common  weights  to  metric 37 

Royal  ordnance  survey 38 

Royal  standards  commission 38, 56 

Ryan,  Hon.  Thomas,  member  of  committee ,  42 

Rockwood,  ir.,  C.  G.,  recording  secretary  American  Metrological  Society 58 

Rogers,  W.  B 61 

Response  of  executive  departments  to  resolutions  of  committee 67 

Randall,  Hon.  Samuel  J.,  Speaker  House  of  Representatives 69,70 

Rhodes,  D.  W.,  superintendent  blank  agency 70 

RouHiania 86 

Rnnion,  Isle  of 87 

Russia 97,141,170 

Real  estate,  metric  measures  of 98 

Rates  of  duty,  table  of 100 

Romans,  standard  weights  of - 105 

R^musat,  Count  de 125 

Richardson,  Hon.  William  A.,  Secretary  of  the  Treasury 127, 129 

Ratification  of  metric  convention,  minutes  of  156 

Rules  for  converting  apothecaries'  weights  and  measures  into  their  respective* 

equivalents  in  metric  terms  for  medical  use 176 

Rules  applicable  in  the  preparation  of  requisitions  for  and  invoices  of  medical 

sapplies 181-183 

Relation  of  metric  to  English  measures  of  length,  table  of 184 

English  to  metric  measures  of  length,  table  of V*A 

metric  to  English  cubic  measure,  table  of 185 

English  to  metric  cubic  measure,  table  of 18(> 

metric  to  apothecaries'  weights,  table  of 186,  l'^7 

apothecaries'  to  metric  weights,  table  of 188 

metric  to  avoirdupois  weights,  table  of 189 

avoirdupois  to  metric  weights,  table  of 190 

8. 

Stephens,  Hon.  Alexander  H.,  M.  C,  and  chairman  of  committee  on  Coinage, 

Weights,  and  Measures 2, 3, 42, 205 

Surface,  metric  measure  of 14 

States,  and  the  metric  standard  weights  for 14 

Stocks,  railroad  ;  their  approximate  par  value  recommended 18 

Senate  report,  March  1,  1791 ; 19 

Silvermann,  Mr.,  account  of  metrical  system 22 

Spain,  adoption  of  the  metric  system 24,86, 141 

Sardinia,  adoption  of  the  metric  system 24 

Switzerland,  adoption  of  the  metric  system 24,86, 102,141 

Sweden,  adoption  of  the  metric  system 24,86, 141 

San  Salvador,  partial  adoption  of  the  metric  system 24 

Schools,  and  the  advantage  of  the  metric  system 2d 


( 


a 


-^  > 


i 


\ 

\ 


1 


} 


\ 


r 


f 


( 


Page. 

28 

30 

53 

53 

53 

59 

61 

74,75 

,  88, 167 

80 

16i),  17H 

87 

105, 10> 

105, 10» 

10.^ 

1V4 

114 

114 

116-ir.» 

159, 167 

148 

70 


fiter,  definition  of : 

Square  measure - 

Stamkart,  MM.,  method  of '■ 

Sfeinheil,  MM.,  method  of * 

Stas,  M.,  method  of 

Standard  meter,  original 

Smith,  J.  Lawrence - 

Surgeon-General,  report  of 

Sherman,  Hon.  John,  Secretary  of  the  Treasury 79 

Standard  weights  and  measures,  uniformity  desired 

South  American  States 83, 

Seuegaiiibia - 

Standard  Commission,  report  of 101, 

Sabine,  Edward 

Sohurz,  Hon.  C,  Secretary  Interior  Department 

Spear,  Hon.  Jillis,  Commissioner  of  Patents 

/Si'hopenf  a  German  measure 

Scheffcl,  a  German  measure 

States,  discrepancies  in  measures 

State  Department,  list  of  papers.*. 123, 124, 132, 149, 150, 151, 157, 158, 

Stas,  J.  S 

Scales,  post-office,  cost  of 

T. 

Tables  of  metric  or  decimal  system  of  weights  and  measures 12 

Table  of  lengths 26,8rt 

weights *'i6,89 

measures  of  capacity 27,89 

commerce  of  the  United  States  for  1860 - 3tt 

Transient  provisions,  articles  of 50 

Tresca,  M.,  Secretary  French  Academy  of  Science 51,52,55 

Tables  of  contributions  to  International  Bureau 58, 162 

lUtompson,  Hon.  R.  W.,  Secretary  of  the  Navy 69 

Townsend,  Hon.  E.  D.,  Adjutant-General 71 

Tread  well,  Maj.  T.  J.,  views  on  metric  system 77,78 

Treasury  Department,  report  of 79, 94-96, 99, 134, 136, 137, 146, 149, 150, 1.58,  ICO.  167 

Talleyrand,  Bishop  of  Autun 85 

Turkey 87,142 

Troy  weights 106 

Townships,  divisions  into - Ill 

Thermometer,  centigrade  recommended 115 

Table  of  discrei^ancies  of  avoirdux)ois 117-119 

Territories 117-119 

Table  of  approximate  equivalents  of  apothecaries'  weights  and  measures  in 

metric  terms 179, 180 

Table  showing  the  relations  of  English  to  metric  lineal  units 202 

Table  of  coins  expressed  in  troy  grains  and  metric  grams ,        210 

U. 

Unit  of  volume 10,11 

United  States  and  the  international  commission 11,97, 102, 104, 141, 164, 166 

history  of  the  adoption  of  the  metric  system 13, 84 

Uniformity  of  weights  and  measures  and  their  importance  recognized 20 

United  States  of  Colombia,  use  of  metric  system 24 

Upton,  Hon.  J  K.,  Chief  Clerk  Treasury  Department,  reply  of 80,88, 169 

Urui;uay,  Republic  of - 84 

United  Kingdom 102,106 

V. 

Venezuela,  usft  of  metric  system 24,84,142,164,166 

Vance,  Hon.  Robert  B.,  member  of  the  Committee  on  Coinage,  Weights,  and 

Measures .• 42, 206 

Vignand,  H 65,140,142,143,144,147 

Vasscha,  Professor 142 

H.  Kep.  14 15 


218  INDEX. 

w. 

•  Pago. 

Wheat,  grains  of,  as  the  basis  of  length. 10 

Waahburne,  Hon.  E.  B.,  United  States  .minister  to  France 12, 60, 65, 135, 136, 139, 

140, 142, 143, 144, 145, 147, 149, 150, 151, 153, 158, 160, 161, 166 

Weights,  metric,  table  of 12,14 

particalars  of 15 

Weights  and  measures  and  the  Articles  of  Confederation 18, 21 

W;i8hington,  George,  President  of  the  United  States,  message  of IW,  19 

Walker,  R.  J.,  Secretary  of  the  Treasury,  annual  report  of,  1847 21 

Winfield,  Hon.  Charles  H.,  member  of  the  Committee  on  Coinage,  Weights,  and 

Measures,  1866 31 

Williams,  Hon.  Thomas,  member  of  the  Committee  on  Coinage,  Weights,  and 

Measures,  1866 31 

Weight,  unit  of -^^ 

War  Department,  response  to  committee 71 

Williamson,  Hon.  J.  A.,  Commissioner  United  States  Land  Office 110 

WUd,Dr.H 148 

Wrede,  member  of  the  International  Committee  of  Weights  and  Measures. ..  148 

Waddington,  Mr 166 

Woodworth,  John  M.,  M.  D.,  Surgeon-General,  U.  S 171 


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